Born on July 12, 1945, Elizabeth Wanjiru is the daughter of Apollos Mwangi and Zipporah. She attended Alliance Girls High School before pursuing higher education at Makerere University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in literature.
Before stepping into the public eye, Wanjiru dedicated her life to education. She worked as a teacher and later served as a principal, following in the footsteps of her parents, who valued knowledge and community service.
Her personal life, however, has been marked by significant struggle. Elizabeth married Ugandan politician Shem Bageine, with whom she lived for 13 years. The couple purchased a house in Loresho, registered under Bageine’s name. Their marriage deteriorated in the early 1980s amid political tensions in Uganda, and when their youngest child was just 12, Bageine left. He later rose in Ugandan politics, eventually becoming Minister of State for East African Affairs in 2015.
Elizabeth faced further heartbreak when her children moved with their father, visiting her only once since, though they maintain occasional contact over the phone.
After decades of silence, Elizabeth sought justice through the courts, demanding her share of the matrimonial property. Despite allegations that Bageine had sold the Loresho house, the High Court ruled in 2003 that she should not be evicted. She launched another legal battle in 2004 to reclaim her rightful property, demonstrating her unwavering determination.
Elizabeth Wanjiru’s life is a testament to resilience. Through personal trials and public challenges, she remains a powerful figure whose journey continues to inspire both on-screen and off, embodying courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice.
