Life has not been fair recently. I have
had some heartbreaks. The challenges of Covid19, the lockdown and its impact on
life, the tragic death of a very good friend and former colleague called Mona Mahmoud
and uncertainty about projects and future. To make it even worse I lost Josephine
Mukanjira, one of my best friends and colleagues. Jo was someone who was
there before I joined Citizens UK, where I have worked for over 9 years. She
was someone who was always willing to help me. Someone extra generous to step
in when there were challenges. Someone who would do everything on earth to make
others happy.
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Jo at Greater London Authority – 20th February 2020
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When I last spoke to Jo on Wednesday
15th April to tell her about our colleague Mona’s death, she said she had
already heard about it and that she was so sad. As we discussed about life, she
sounded full of life and lots to live for. She told me that she was happy with
her new job. That she was ready for the challenge the new opportunity would
bring. I believed all what Jo said. As I had also met with her in person on
February 20th when she attended a Community Sponsorship event I organised
at the office of the Mayor of London, it all sounded good for me and that I was
happy for her. But life was not fair for Jo. Despite the hopes and aspirations she exhibited in the conversation I had with her, she was taken away by the monster
virus called Covid19. When I heard Jo’s departure within days of talking to
her, I could not believe it. I was in
denial for some time. How could that happen? Somebody who sounded so healthy
and fit going untimely is heart-breaking. But life is unpredictable. We only
have today for granted.
I have lots of memories with Jo. I and
Jo often had our lunches together. Lunch breaks were opportunities to catch up.
But when we finished our lunches, Jo would say “I am sure you would at least
wash your food container before taking it back home as I know you never cook.”
Jo knew I do not cook often and that in fact I hated cooking and get nervous whenever I cook. Whenever I left the
office at the end of the working day, I would say goodbye to Jo and colleagues
and say look after the money. Jo would say, “Keep bringing the money and we
would look after it”. We both laugh and hope to meet again.
Jo was not only a colleague, but also family friend. She had been to my house on a couple of occasions. My family knew her very well. She was a delight to have around. Her life is now in the hands of Almighty God, whom she served wholeheartedly. She should be at peace in the company of angels. I pray that she is at peace.
Jo was not only a colleague, but also family friend. She had been to my house on a couple of occasions. My family knew her very well. She was a delight to have around. Her life is now in the hands of Almighty God, whom she served wholeheartedly. She should be at peace in the company of angels. I pray that she is at peace.
Thank you, Jo, for everything you did
for me. Thank you for your friendship, colleagueship and leadership.
Goodbye to you, Jo. Sleep tight my good
old friend. Your memories will live with us as long as we are in this
world. Rest in peace Jo.
