Renowned Educationists Mourn the Death of Their Mother

Dr.Tom Shavisa (PhD) Principal Senende Boys High School.

By Victor Ngecho

Renowned educationists Dr Tom Shavisa, the Chief Principal of Senende Boys High School, and his wife, Mrs Rose Shavisa, the Chief Principal of Kaimosi Girls High School, are mourning the death of their beloved mother and mother-in-law, Mama Esther Khamede Shavisa.

Mama Esther passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the age of 80 after a short illness. She was admitted to Avenue Hospital in Kisumu, where she succumbed to cardiac-related complications.

Paying tribute, Dr Shavisa described his late mother as a devoted Christian and a central pillar in his life, whose unwavering faith and guidance profoundly shaped his personal and professional journey.

“I have lost a personal friend, a parent, and my lifelong source of love and guidance. Life will never be the same again,” Dr Shavisa said.

He noted that although Mama Esther had developed heart-related complications in recent years, the family remains grateful to God for blessing her with a long, fulfilled life.

“As a family, we are deeply saddened and pained beyond measure, but we thank the Almighty God for the gift of her life and the many years He granted us with her,” he added.

Mrs Rose Shavisa eulogised Mama Esther as a loving, caring, and exceptional woman who embraced her wholeheartedly as a daughter from the time she joined the family.

“I joined this family several years ago, and Mama took charge of me as her own. She loved and supported me deeply,” Mrs Shavisa said.

She recalled that the late Mama Esther often took full responsibility of the home, especially when the couple was away on official duties, carrying out her roles with warmth, dedication, and selflessness.

“I will dearly miss her presence in the lives of her grandchildren and the precious moments we shared as a family. She was a source of inspiration and guidance to all of us. We thank God for the time He allowed us to have with her,” she added.

Dr Tom and Mrs Rose Shavisa are widely respected figures in the education sector, having mentored and positively impacted thousands of learners and professionals across the region through decades of dedicated service.

Mama Esther Khamede Shavisa was a long-serving member of the African Church of the Holy Spirit, which she joined in 1955. At the time of her death, she was serving as the Vice Chairlady of the Women’s League, a position she had held since 2009 at the Lugala headquarters. Her service to the church spanned an impressive 70 years.

She is survived by two children, Dr Tom Shavisa and Captain Reba Shavisa, an officer with the Salvation Army Church, as well as several grandchildren.

The body of the late Mama Esther is currently preserved at the morgue as funeral arrangements continue. She will be laid to rest at her Emulundu home.