Story by Kenias Chivhuzhe
Mr Leonard Mwatambandini Kashiri, who died on the 14th of February at the age of 103, has been buried at Yeovil Cemetery in Mutare with government, the church, family and friends celebrating his long life.
Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga first went to the Kashiri residents in Murambi, Mutare before proceeding to Holy Name Anglican Church in Sakubva for a church service where he described the late as a humble father whose legacy of love and unity should guide the family, the church and the nation.
He said, “It is with a sad heart that we gather here to lay to rest Sekuru Tambandini Kashiri. President Mnangagwa tasked me to come here for the burial of sekuru. We are celebrating the life of Sekuru Kashiri who was aged 103 years at the time of his passing on. This is an indication of a long life worth celebrating. Sekuru Kashiri worked at St Faith as a building instructor and built most buildings we see today at the Anglican Church. Sekuru was passionate about football. He once played for Mutare United as a defender with his son as a goalkeeper in the same team.
“He was fit and God rewarded him with long life as an ardent church member. Sekuru was a respected member of the community, a God-fearing man and an ardent churchgoer at the Anglican Church. At the Holy Name Church, he was a Mubvuwi. He was a loving and respected family man. When his wife was on wheelchair, Sekuru would push and assist his wife with love. He left a spirit of love and unity. I urge you Antony to continue with Sekuru Kashiri’s legacy of love and guide the family to live a Christian life as love and unity are two important virtues in life.”
The late Sekuru Kashiri’s first-born child, Mr Antony Kashiri who is husband to the Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, says the family is humbled by the love and condolences coming from people from all walks of life.
He said, “The late raised us in a Christian way. I want to thank my wife for allowing us to take care of my father and taking care of his medical bills. Our father passed away at a time God saw it fit. He was a family man and disciplinarian and that is what shaped me. It was a blessing to have a father like him. He was a church member and a teacher. We are humble and we thank the president and vice president for this honour.”
The late Sekuru Kashiri is remembered by fellow church members and government officials as an ardent Christian.
“Sekuru Kashiri was a strong church member who led other church members in advancing the word of God. As a teacher, he helped in the construction of St Faith High School. We should learn from him the need to promote education with productivity,” a church mate said.
Another added, “We thank President Mnangagwa for sending the Vice President to attend the burial of our father, a centenarian. This shows that our President respects the elderly and we should take a lesson from him.”
The burial was also attended by several ministers, ZANU PF Politburo members and other government officials.
The late Sekuru Kashiri is survived by four children, 22 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.
