On Friday, July 6, 2018, Tala ward and Matungulu sub-county as a whole lost an important person.
Mary Ng'ondu, a former prominent businesswoman died after a battle with high blood pressure.
Leaders and residents from all walks of life are apparently condoling with the family.
Here are few things about Ng'ondu unknown to most people:
1. Aged 86
Mary Ng'ondu Mwanunga was born in 1932 in Tala, Matungulu sub-county. The late Ng'ondu was a prominent businesswoman who owns most of the old shops in Tala market.
2. Holds golden accolades awarded by retired president Moi
Due to her commitment to humanitarian work and philanthropic actions, Ng'ondu in 1998 won the government accolades order of the golden heart awarded to her by retired president Daniel Arap Moi. She is said to have done what she could to find food for residents during times when the Ukambani region was hard hit by drought. The deceased also donated almost half of the land in Tala where a church currently sits. In recognition of her great work, a road in Tala market was named after her, Ng'ondu Road.
3. Among the first founders of private schools in the country
According to a family member, Ng'ondu started the Ukamba School now Tala Academy in 1975. Due to her push to have private schools in the area, she found herself on the wrong side with the government.
4. Ex-councilor
In 1988, Tala became a ward and the iron lady vied for the councilor position which was contested mostly by men. She was able to whitewash her competitors and serve for five years.
5. Never got married, no children
A family member revealed that Ng'ondu never got married in her life and has no children. Despite having no children, she had many vulnerable children under her care who she raised and educated.
#MyProfile