Former students of Kaaga Girls High School in Meru County on Wednesday, March 8, surprised Gichoga Gacheri, who served as principal from 1980 to 2006.
Reports indicated that the alumni had crafted the plan for some time and picked Wednesday as it coincided with International Women's Day.
The former students traversed Meru in a roadside show truck and brought the town to a standstill as they made their way to the principal's home.
Flanked by several vehicles, the motorcade was led by a black Mercedes Benz which picked her up as they headed to the institution for a grand ceremony.
The motorcade proceeded as the alumni danced with jubilation in celebration of the former school head whom they described as their icon.
Mercy Chidi, Ripples International Director and an alumnus recalled how the principal accorded her a chance to study at the school despite her low grades. She credited her career and growth to Gacheri's tutelage.
"The reason why we're here is that everyone has a story, I am who I am today because of what she moulded us to be, the effort that she put in us. I personally did not qualify to go to Kaaga Girls, I failed and according to the old system of division, it was equivalent to a D, but I went asking for a chance because my parents wanted me to be a police officer.
"When I went to Kaaga to ask for a chance, Mrs. Gichoga granted my request because of the heart she had. I wasn't doing very well but she continued to encourage and mentor me and that's why we're here," Chidi stated.
According to Ann Kelly, another alumnus, the list of Gacheri's achievements in the school was innumerable.
"Today is a great day for us, we're really excited to witness this occasion. We used to call her heady. So Gichoga Gacheri, we don't take you for granted. We thought we needed to come back and pay homage," she noted.
While giving their remarks, the alumni announced plans to set up a mentorship program for students at the school and other similar learning institutions.
"Where I am working I'm in charge of education and public awareness, and one of the activities I'm supervising is establishing integrity clubs in institutions of learning which cuts across from lower to tertiary level," Kelly added.
On her part, the former principal could not hide her joy as she stated that she felt like a queen owing to the kind gesture.
"When I look at them, these are managers, people with their own children, families, jobs. I am very excited to see people that you consider very young can eventually transform themselves into responsible citizens. It is very encouraging," she stated.
During the event, the alumni raised funds and also delivered gifts to the former school administrator.
