Where numbers, discipline, and laughter shaped our legacy.
This is Mr. Waithaka 👏. Our upper primary teacher, master of numbers, and champion of the school field!
Between 1981 and 1993, he taught us Mathematics and Business at Ruai Primary School. But honestly, that job title barely covered it.
He was also our Games Master. He was a punishment expert.
His signature move was pinching the middle of our noses. Yes, that spot that brought instant regret 😭. He was a firm yet fond moulder of futures.
Yesterday, reunited with old classmates, we took a trip down memory lane. And there he was witty, grounded, and still rocking that Games Master stride.
Now retired since 2016. He tends his tea farms in Othaya. He counts walking up and down the hills as his cardio. Thirty-five years in teaching clearly built more than just minds!
If given a second chance, Mr. Waithaka says he’d still choose teaching. “It doesn’t pay much,” he jokes, “but it leaves you with a lot of time in your hands.” We suspect his definition of “free time” involves grading papers or running laps.
His love life? An inspiration.
For 12 years, he journeyed every Friday from Ruai to Othaya. Just to be home with family. Married for over 30 years and blessed with 10 children. He is living, laughing proof that love isn’t a scam. ❤️
Dear Mwalimu, yesterday wasn’t just a reunion.
It was a celebration of the seeds you planted. Thank you for pinching sense into us (literally). You showed us how to move. Whether on the pitch or in life. You are a living testimony that discipline, family, and legacy still matter.
It was good to be home with you, Mwalimu! 🙏
📚Read other inspiring teacher stories:
- 2024: The Bell Rang, We Came Back: Honoring Ruai Primary Teachers
- 2023: Laughter, Chalk & Legacy: Honoring Our Ruai Primary Teachers – Year 3!
- 2022: When the Students Give Back: Ruai Primary Reunited, Retired, and Remembered
- 2021: Nine Families, Countless Blessings: A Journey Back to Those Who Raised Us
👉 Click the links above or check the “Alumni Stories” category on my blog.
💬 I’d Love to Hear From You!
Did Mr. Waithaka ever catch you sneaking out of games class? Or did you survive his nose-pinching justice? Share your most unforgettable Mwalimu moment below!
Drop it in the comments below! Let’s honor the unsung heroes who raised us with rulers, rhymes, and relentless love.
🔖#TeacherTribute #RuaiPrimary #MwalimuWaithaka #LegacyBuilders #GamesMaster #LoveIsNotAScam #KenyanTeachers #MathMentor #ThrowbackReunion #RetiredButInspired
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk
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