The entire Invisible Children community mourns the loss of Elijah Muchiri, Head of Office for Invisible Children Uganda (ICU). Elijah passed away on March 29 in Nairobi, Kenya after a long battle with on-going health issues.

When Elijah joined the ICU team in June 2012, it was not just his depth of professional experience working within international development and conflict management that prepared him for his role as Head of Office – the humility he brought to leading ICU and intense compassion and commitment for his work, and those he works with, set Elijah apart from others. We will continue to mourn Elijah, but also remain steadfast in our continued celebration of his life. We are thankful for his guidance and will work to embody his passion and professionalism in order to honor his legacy.

The following messages were gathered from members of the Invisible Children family. They were shared in person, over email and through social media in response to the news of Elijah’s passing. These words can only attempt to demonstrate how Elijah, as such a pivotal member of this community, impacted each and every one of us for the better.

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“Elijah was a great man and strong leader. He joined Invisible Children because of his leadership experience, professional abilities but most notably, his character.

On behalf of all of our US staff, roadies, interns, volunteers, alumni and Board of Directors we express our sincere love and thankfulness for Elijah’s life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Emily, their daughters, the extended family and everyone who was touched by Elijah’s life.

Ben Keesey, CEO, Invisible Children

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Elijah’s resolve, courage and devotion to his work was and will continue to be an example of strong leadership and patriotism for all of us…Elijah’s loss is something that we will always stay with. But I pray that we take on his legacy and not let it remain with him. Let us find comfort in the joyous moments that we spent with Elijah and let’s celebrate his life and not mourn his loss. When good and strong persons like our Head of Office dies, we simply celebrate because we know that he is in God’s hands.

Comfort Okello, Livelihoods team, Invisible Children Uganda

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He had personal interest in everyone, I remember on many occasions seeing him visit every desk and office just to say hallo and find out how your work is. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Elijah. We will miss you!

Geoffrey Makameri, Invisible Children Uganda

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Elijah was a pleasure to work with. I will remember him to be a very unassuming person. Under the surface, Elijah was resolute about bringing positive sustainable change to the community as well as the teams he worked with. He leaves a rich legacy underpinned by the notion that leadership is not a popularity contest but a privilege of sacrifice.

Patrick Munduga, Regional Head of Office

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Its indeed too sudden to believe that he has passed on to the next state of life; we dearly missed his fatherly, loving and courteous heart that we enjoyed from him while with us. Words can’t express it all. May your soul REST IN PEACE!

Oyadu Joy Mary, Invisible Children Uganda, Pader Office

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I was deeply saddened by the news of Elijah’s passing. On behalf of IC-DRC, I wish to express my sincere condolence to Elijah’s family, ICU and IC as a whole. Our collective hearts are with sympathy for this great loss. May your soul rest in perfect peace Elijah.

Oren Jusu, ICDRC