28th November 2003 – 6th January 2024
Victoria Wanja Kariuki was born on the 28th of November 2003 at Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Nairobi at 3:15 a.m. She was the beloved daughter and only child of Beatrice Wairimu Kariuki. Beloved granddaughter of the late Nahashon Kariuki Mbatia and Mrs. Tabitha Wanja Mbatia. Sister to Dr. Kaiser Fitzwanga, Nakili Fitzwanga, Chief Hiro Fitzwanga and Chief Dala Fitzwanga. Beloved niece to James Mbatia Kariuki, Peter Kariuki Mbatia, Ruth Njeri Mbatia, the late Joan Wambui Kariuki, Shem Muturi Mbatia, and Herman Ndungu Mbatia. Cousin to Pritney Wangari Kariuki, Brian Githiomi Mureithi, Trina Wanjiru Kariuki, Micah Kariuki Mbatia and Michael Muiruri Mbatia.
From the day she was born, Victoria was a very healthy, active, jovial, and inquisitive child. She loved her barbie dolls and was very creative with her loom bands. She loved making new friends and enjoyed every new experience in life.
At a very early age, she travelled to Dubai to visit her aunt, Ruth Njeri Mbatia, and cried very loudly when the car went down a sand dune but later, she loved the experience. She was widely travelled even as a young child. She spent a little time in France (travelling as an un-accompanied minor) and attended a football tournament in Dublin-Ireland where she was a goalkeeper. During the 20 years of her life she visited the following countries; Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa (where she spent Christmas with her big sister Dr.Kaiser), Ireland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, The Vatican, UAE, China and the USA(New York and Atlanta on 2 different occasions).
Victoria loved the Sunday school song, ‘Jesus loves me this I know,’ which she was taught by her grandmother, Tabitha. She also loved Cece Winans’ song ‘Jesus you’re beautiful’. Every time she saw an elephant on T.V, she would excitedly shout, “Makumatt!”. She was loved by many, even as a little child.
Victoria attended Riara Springs Kindergarten and thereafter Riara Primary School along Riara Road, where she sat for her KCPE exam in 2018.While at Riara Road Primary School, Victoria excelled academically. She quickly emerged as a leader when she became the scouts’ commander, a role which she played with excellence and distinction from Class Four until Class Seven. She was also at one time elected as governor for her entire level after a hard-fought campaign. At Riara, with the support of her wonderful teachers, she developed excellent oratory skills and was often picked to deliver speeches. In 2017, she delivered a speech to the entire school on World Convservation Day. In 2018, she gave the class valedictorian speech for the entire Class Eight. It was also at Riara that Victoria formed life-long friendships with Wanda Wamaitha, Peninah Bolo and Nicole Mahina. She excelled with 410 marks in her KCPE. Thereafter, she joined Moi High School Kabarak, which she attended until early 2020.
In 2019, Victoria represented this school in The World Scholars Tournament in Beijing-China and later on, in the World Scholars Tournament of Champions at YALE University Connecticut USA.
Victoria was an aspiring journalist with well-developed analytical skills. She was deeply aware of world economy, politics and social issues and events. She was way mature beyond her years. A passage highlighted by her in Alain Mabanckou’s book, ‘Tomorrow I’ll be Twenty’ reads, “Perhaps, if you’re rich in this life you always want to get richer, and you stop noticing that the people around you have nothing.”
Victoria readily participated in Rotary projects, accompanying her mom to paint a primary school in Korogocho and to donate shoes in Makueni. She loved visiting Rainbow Children’s Home in Watamu whenever she and her Mother went on holiday.
After the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, she joined Naisula School-Kajiado, where she sat her IGCSE (O-Level) exams in 2022, and Spassed with flying colors. She scored 5 A Stars, and a distinction. She was also awarded an Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for gaining the highest mark in Kenya in Cambridge IGCSE, 1st Language English (Oral Endorsement).
While at Naisula School, she spent the summer break of 2021 attending a jobs shadow program at Standard Group, courtesy of Rotarian Carol Kimutai. During this time, she was an active participant in group editorial meetings. As part of her training, she had 3 articles published in The Standard newspaper. Also at Naisula school she was an active member and chair of the Debate Club and Journalism Club. Vicky attended many debates both within and outside the school. She also represented the school at The Rhino Cup.
In late 2022, Victoria joined a group of her school mates to climb Mt. Kenya which she successfully summited.
In February 2023 she attended the East African Model UN Conference at UNEP Gigiri in which she was the delegate for the Republic of Zimbabwe. During this conference, Vicky was hosted by Senior Rotarians Eric Kimani and his wife Margaret Munene at their home. She remained deeply grateful that they treated her like their own daughter including personally fixing her breakfast every morning.
Upon completing her O-level exams, Victoria joined Kilifi International School for her A-levels. She was due to sit her final AS (Year 13) Cambridge Exam Between May and June 2024. She was studying English Language, English Literature and Economics. Her favorite authors were Chinmamanda Ngozi Adichie and Alain Mabanckou.
Victoria was dedicated to God at the age of 6 months at the AIC church Langata. She was raised in a Christian home and attended Sunday school from an early age at Mavuno Church. While at Mavuno she attended Ropes classes and Camp as an alternative rite of passage. Later she joined the youth church at Karen Vineyard Church.
On 21st May 2023, Victoria attended a church at Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG Potters House) along Chalbi Drive, Nairobi. She was together with her childhood friend Wanda Wamaitha and Wanda’s mother. On this day, she re-dedicated her life to God.
