Meru Graduate Takes Mum With Memory Loss To Celebrate Her Graduation At University: "She Did A Lot"

• Beautiful Mercy Gatwiri recently graduated from the Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA)
• During her university day, she always dreamt of the day her mom, who had done so much for the family, would see her graduate with a Bachelors Education in Math and Physics degree
• The devoted mum, however, suffers from memory loss and did doesn't remember seeing her only daughter and the first of her children graduate from university

Whenever Mercy Gatwiri pictured her graduation day, she always saw her mom, who had really been there for her, jubilating and dancing for her only daughter.

Mercy graduates from PUEA

However, when the graduation did happen at the Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA) on Friday, December 8, 2023, her mom was there, but she was unwell and had a blank look on her face.

"I graduated with a Bachelors in Education; Maths and Physics degree from PUEA and although my mum was there, she could not recognise me or what we were doing at the institution," Mercy told TUKO.co.ke.

According to the 24-year-old girl, all was well with her mom until August 2023, when she started complaining of blinding headaches that attacked her on a daily basis. One day, the nursery school teacher collapsed and was taken to the hospital.

What is menengaitis?

"She was diagnosed with menengitis and stayed in hospital for one month. Sadly, my mum lost her memory and doesn't recognise anyone or anything," said Mercy.

"The doctor's say she may regain her memory in due time but it may take time. There is also no guarantee; it she may remain like that forever," explained the fresh graduate.

One of the saddest aspects of Mercy's story is that she is her mom's only daughter and the first in her family to graduate from university, yet her mom doesn't have any recollection of it.

Despite her mom's condition, Mercy still struggled to take her to PUEA, supported her as she was unable to walk, and fed her throughout.

Mercy prays for her mum

"I wanted her to see me in my gown because of everything she had done for me and my siblings. She worked really hard to get us to where we are now. I really cried, I was broken; I just wanted her to enjoy with me," said Mercy.

"I have really prayed for my mum but it is like God can't hear my prayers. I have kept the photos so that she can see what happened on that day," she revealed.

Mercy is hoping to bag a job soon so that she can take care of her mom and her young child together. According to her devoted daughter, she took care of them, and it was now her turn to be given the best care.

Nairobi man celebrates graduation at kibanda

In another story, Eric Ndolo Nthuko, a former Mount Kenya University student, celebrated his graduation at a kibanda where he used to get free lunch.

Ndolo was a regular at Kate's Dinner, a kibanda found in the heart of Mukiriti market in Thika town, when he was a student.

The only difference between Ndolo and the other regular customers was that his friend who works there used to pay for the meals because he was broke.

TUKO.co.ke learned that after he graduated from Mount Kenya University, Ndolo went back to Kibanda to say thanks to his people.