This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
July 7, 2019
William Scheinman, a philanthropist from New York, left an indelible mark on the lives of Tom Mboya's family. Born in 1927 to a wealthy Jewish family, Scheinman's friendship with the Mboyas began many years ago, and he played a significant role in their lives until his passing.
Dr. Pamela Mboya-Kidero, Tom Mboya's daughter, fondly remembered Scheinman's contributions to their family. 'He was in our lives for very many years, helping the family and taking me to college in the US where I did my undergraduate, Masters, and doctorate studies,' she said.
After Tom Mboya's death, Scheinman was banned from Kenya, but he returned in 1978, following President Jomo Kenyatta's death. Scheinman's wish to be buried next to Tom Mboya's grave in Rusinga Island was fulfilled, with his ashes being flown back to Kenya for burial by his son.
According to Susan Mboya, Scheinman's friendship with the family extended beyond his philanthropic efforts. 'He was in our lives to the very end and that is why we gave him Mboya's letters to take to Stanford University's Hoover Library for preservation,' she said.
The unlikely bond between Scheinman and the Mboya family serves as a testament to the power of friendship and philanthropy. As Susan Mboya plans to transform Tom Mboya's mausoleum into a scholar's monument, the legacy of William Scheinman will continue to inspire future generations.
