Reverend Teresia Wairimu Biography
Reverend Teresia Wairimu stands out as a key figure in Kenyan Christianity. She has touched many lives through her work as an evangelist and church leader. Born in 1957, she grew up in a time of change in Kenya, right after independence. Her story shows how one person can move from everyday jobs to leading a big ministry. This biography looks at her path, from her start as a teacher to becoming a voice for faith across the world.
People know her for starting Faith Evangelistic Ministry, or FEM, in Nairobi. This group focuses on prayer, healing, and helping others. Over the years, she has held large meetings where thousands gather to hear her messages. Her life teaches lessons about strength, belief, and service. Readers can learn how faith can change lives and communities. This article aims to share her story in a clear way, helping you understand her impact on Kenya and beyond.
Her journey began in a simple home, but it grew to include international work. She has branches of her ministry in places like the United States and the United Kingdom. Through books and sermons, she shares her experiences to encourage others. This biography covers her background, learning, work, family, challenges, successes, and more. It draws from real events and aims to educate without extra details.
Reverend Teresia Wairimu Early Life and Background
Teresia Wairimu came into the world on November 15, 1957, in the Waithaka area near Nairobi, Kenya. Her parents were Njeri Kinuthia and Kinuthia Kinyanjui. She was the second child in her family. Growing up in post independence Kenya shaped her views. The country was building itself after colonial rule, and her family had ties to that history.
Her grandfather, Paramount Chief Kinyanjui wa Gathirimu, served as a leader during colonial times. This gave her family a sense of heritage from the Kikuyu community. Such roots taught her about leadership and standing strong. As a child, she saw the mix of old traditions and new ways in Kenya. These early years built her character and prepared her for future roles.
From young, she showed interest in faith. Church visits filled her with dreams of serving others. Her home life was modest, but it stressed values like hard work and kindness. These foundations helped her face later tests. By understanding her start, readers see how everyday beginnings can lead to big changes.
Key milestones in her early years include:
- 1957: Born in Waithaka, Nairobi.
- Childhood: Grew up in a family with colonial era connections.
- Family position: Second born child.
This list shows the simple steps of her youth. Her background as a Kikuyu descendant added cultural depth to her life story.
Read Also: Bishop Margaret Wanjiru Biography: Early Life, Career, Education, Age and Family
Reverend Teresia Wairimu Education
Teresia Wairimu went to Ngiriambu Girls High School for her secondary studies. This school helped shape her early thinking. After high school, she trained to become a teacher. Later, she studied at the University of Nairobi and earned a degree in Theology. This higher learning focused on religious topics and prepared her for ministry work.
Her education path shows a shift from general schooling to faith based studies. At Ngiriambu, she learned basic skills and values. The theology degree came after she felt a call to serve. This training gave her tools to teach and lead others in spiritual matters.
Education played a key role in her growth. It moved her from teaching young kids to guiding adults in faith.
Reverend Teresia Wairimu Career
Teresia Wairimu started her work life as a kindergarten teacher. She enjoyed helping young children learn and grow. Before that, she worked with the Green Belt Movement, led by Wangari Maathai. This group planted trees and fought for the environment. Her role there showed her care for community and nature.
In 1977, she began her spiritual path more deeply. By 1985, a strong experience led her to full time ministry. She founded Faith Evangelistic Ministry in 1989. This became her main work, holding meetings and helping people through prayer. She expanded to the United States with Teresia Wairimu Evangelistic Ministry and to the United Kingdom.
As a preacher, she spoke at large events, like crusades in Uhuru Park. Her career grew to include writing and leading global groups. She became one of the first women in Kenya to lead big faith gatherings. This shift from teacher to evangelist highlights her growth.
Her work focuses on healing, teaching, and community aid. Through FEM, she reaches many with messages of hope.
Reverend Teresia Wairimu Family and Personal Life
Teresia Wairimu married in November 1978. She has two children, Robert and Catherine. Robert is married to Ilona, and the family includes five grandchildren. Her full name, Teresia Wairimu Kinyanjui, reflects her family ties.
Family plays a big part in her life. Her children and grandchildren follow faith paths and help in ministry. She balances home duties with her work, showing strength as a mother and leader.
Personal challenges marked her journey. She faced tough times, including a divorce, but rebuilt her life in Nairobi. Raising her daughter alone for a while taught her resilience. These experiences shape her messages about overcoming hardship through belief.
Controversies
In 2019, Teresia Wairimu spoke in a sermon about LGBTQ issues. She shared her ministry’s views, which sparked talks. Some felt her words were strong, leading to public debate.
In October 2024, she criticized the Kenya Kwanza government. She pointed out focus on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment over citizen needs. This led to comments on leadership and divisions. She urged better policies and less corruption.
By July 2024, she shared about difficult personal times, but kept focus on faith. In 2025, her prophecies called for change in Kenya, including anti corruption prayers.
These events show her bold stance on social and political matters. She speaks from her faith view, aiming to guide. Readers can learn how public figures handle debates. Her responses often include calls for unity and betterment.
A false claim in November 2024 said she was removed from a State House prayer group. This was not true, as checks showed no such action.
Reverend Teresia Wairimu Achievements
Teresia Wairimu founded Faith Evangelistic Ministry in 1989. This group grew to have headquarters in Nairobi and branches abroad. She started Teresia Wairimu Evangelistic Ministry in the United States and a similar one in the United Kingdom. These expand her reach globally.
She held major crusades, like one in Uhuru Park with 200,000 people in attendance. Thousands reported healings and life changes at these events. As a pioneer, she was among the first women evangelists in Kenya to fill stadiums.
She wrote the book “A Cactus in the Desert,” her autobiography, published around 2010. It shares her story to inspire readers. Her ministry includes humanitarian work, linking faith with community help.
Her influence reaches political leaders, serving as a spiritual guide to some, like President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. Yet, she speaks truth to power when needed. These successes show her role in spreading faith and aiding society.
Conclusion
Reverend Teresia Wairimu’s life tells a story of change through faith. From her birth in 1957 to leading a global ministry, she shows what belief can do. Her work in education, career shifts, family balance, and public stands offer lessons for all.
She remains active in 2025, sharing messages of hope. Her legacy lives in the lives she touches and the groups she built. This biography highlights her as a model of strength and service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Reverend Teresia Wairimu?
She is a Kenyan evangelist who founded Faith Evangelistic Ministry in 1989. She leads prayer and healing events worldwide.
How old is Teresia Wairimu?
As of October 15, 2025, she is 67 years old. She was born on November 15, 1957.
What is her family background?
She comes from a Kikuyu family with colonial era leadership ties. Her parents are Njeri Kinuthia and Kinuthia Kinyanjui. She is the second born.