Prof O.L.E Mbatia Mwangi

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
- Winston Churchill

Obituary

It is with humble acceptance to God’s will that we announce the passing on of Professor Oliver Lee Ernest (O.L.E) Mbatia.
He was the son of the late Ernest Mwangi and the late Agnes Gathoni.

Loving husband of Virginia Wanjiku Mbatia.

Dear father of Jane Muthoni and Jumaa Makopa; and the late Kennedy Mwangi Mbatia and the late Martha Wanjiku Mwangi.

Son in law of the late Stephen Kabutha and Mary Mukami.

Brother-in-law of Ernest Kamau, Jane Wanjiru Nyaga, late James Nduati, among others.

Dear uncle of Ernest Mwangi Kimani among others.


Dear brother of the late Ben Munene Mwangi, Rose Wanjiru Chege and the late Wesley Chege, John Kiruri Mwangi and Rosemary Wangari Mwangi, the late Lewel Mahinda Mwangi and Nelius Nyambura Mahinda and the late James Kimani Mwangi and Alice Nyambura Kimani.


 Cherished grandfather of Makopa Mwasaria and Carolyne Makopa, Mbatia Mwasaria, Charlene Wanjiku Mwangi, Jameson Mbatia Mwangi and Julius Kiai Mwangi.

Great grandfather of Upendo and Jabali.


He was an uncle, a grandfather and a great-grandfather of the wider Shem Mbatia/Ernest Mwangi and the Kabutha families and a beloved friend to many.

Relatives and friends are meeting daily at his home in Nyari Estate; meetings will also be held at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi, from Monday 26th January 2026 to Wednesday, 28th January 2026 starting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in his rural home, Gitui Village, Murang’a County.


A Holy Mass and memorial service will be held  on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 from 1:30p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Chapel, University of Nairobi.


The cortège leaves Lee Funeral Home on Friday 30/01/2026 at 7:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service beginning 10:00 a.m. at Gitui Primary School, Gitui Village, Gathamba Location, Wangu Ward, Kiharu, Murang’a County.


Professor O.L.E Mbatia,

You have fought a good fight and won the race. Glory be to God.

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Memory wall

January 30, 2026

This world is so small, l came to hear of Prof. through my maternal relatives back in the days he was away for studies in the US.
At the time it was popularly known a ' 'Ruraya.'
This was quite strange to many of us but again very inspirational.
Along the way l met his nephew Mundara Wimbia and l became his relative by extension.
Later in life this nephew departed. I got to understand his love for education through the speech he made at his burial and l quote, "nii ngithoma kangaru Tata Njambi nia heaga thumuni Ona nii iingikerwo ni ngaheana thumuni ciana cia Mundara ithome ( when l was studying in Kangaru aunt Njambi gave me a 50ct for my pocket money.If informed l shall offer my 50cts. too ." )
This he did passionately.
He was all round,,,, father ,guka, cousin ever present in our functions and participating incredibly.
We shall miss him but we are comforted by his song 'Gukua no muhaka tugakua' which he always sang during such as what happened to him.
Fare thee well Prof.
In your maker's blossom you rest 🙏🙏.

Peace and more peace to the family, friends and neighbours and the entire gitui fraternity.
We shall miss this great icon.Prof O.L.E.Mbatia.
Nyambura Mundara Munene.

Nyambura Mundara Munene

January 28, 2026

Prof. Ole Mbatia, you changed my life when I least expected it. At a time when I needed hope, you stepped in with love and selflessness and gave me a chance to dream again. You sponsored my education, gave me a home, and treated me as your own.Your kindness did not stop there, you even paid for my wedding gown, a gesture that will forever remain etched in my heart. You believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and because of you, my life took a completely different path. You were more than a mentor; you were a father figure, a protector, and a blessing sent at the right time. Your generosity, humility, and quiet strength changed my life forever. I will always be grateful. May your soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that your kindness lives on through the lives you touched — especially mine. Go well Guka🕊️🤍

Shiku Wambui.

January 27, 2026

Guka, you had a heart so huge that you were able to accommodate us all and we thank God for you.
Your love, kindness, compassion and selflessness will forever be imprinted in our hearts❤. I will miss you. Rest in eternal peace

Esther Munyoro

January 26, 2026

"Uncle, you left a mark on our hearts that's impossible to erase. Your love, guidance, and laughter will be deeply missed, but never forgotten 💔. Rest in peace."

Hezron Muiru Uimbia