Memorial Service for Late Mercelline Adongo Onyango

Daystar University Students, faculty, staff and family of the late Mercelline Adongo Anyango unite at the Amphitheatre, Main Campus, Athi River, during a memorial service to celebrate the life and legacy of a Daystar Enterprise  (DEL)Staff Mercelline Adongo Anyango (Photo Credit: DPU).

By Purity Karunda

[Thursday, 9th July 2026] The Daystar University community of staff, faculty, students, family and friends of the late Mercelline Adongo Onyango gathered in solemn unity to honour the departed former staff of Daystar University Enterprises Limited (DEL).

The memorial service, held at the Amphitheatre, Main Campus Athi River, brought to sharp focus God's consolation to the brokenhearted as Mercelline’s eulogy was read, tracing her early life to Siaya County where she studied food and beverage production before proceeding to build a stellar career at DEL.  Mercelline was hailed as having embodied the concept of servant leadership and made a lasting impact on the Daystar community.

Speakers reflected Mercelline’s nurturing presence, her compassionate heart, kind smile, and firm determination. Her family and coworkers recalled her as a loving mother, a dedicated wife and a faithful Catholic whose faith influenced every aspect of her life.

In his message read by the DVC-Finance, Administration and Planning (DVC-FAP) Prof. Muturi Wachira, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro reminded the community to reflect on our own posture with God and to reaffirm confidence and the eternal hope of reunion with the Redeemer.

Prof. Wachira emphasized the importance of servant-leadership in the delivery of catering services. “See each other as one, for together we can achieve the same mission” he said.

The DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs (DVC ARSA) Prof. Samuel Muriithi, gave a strengthening tribute and remarks that underscored having a relationship with God.

DEL CEO Mr. Richard Maswili commended Mercelline for her professionalism and sincerity, as her colleagues led by Ms. Monique, hailed her diligence, selflessness, and enthusiasm, drawing from Lamentations 3: 31-34.

Speaking on behalf of the Daystar University Students Association, DUSA Secretary General, Mr. Gareth Oseko, appreciated Mercelline's nurturing presence. Recalling when DUSA awarded her the Star of Excellence Award (SOEA) for the best support staff, Gareth said, "She was a star to us" with her invaluable care and life lessons. Her small gestures of kindness, her warm smile, an extra serving or an encouraging word put the students at ease and taught them the importance of compassion and generosity.”

The Chaplaincy offered consolation from Psalms 34:14–22, reassuring the family of God’s presence. The memorial service ended with an offering towards the burial and prayers for the family travelled for interment in Kisumu. The Chaplaincy and Daystar Compassionate Care Centre team offered continued support.

Mercelline's life served as an example of service, love and faith. She will be remembered for her kindness, support and generosity in addition to the meals she prepared for many. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

A Portrait of the late Mercelline Adongo Anyango (Photo Credit: DPU).