PIP Benson Wabule
4 March 1943 – 30 October 2022
The International Association of Y’s Men’s Clubs is mourning the loss of Past International President Mr Benson Wabule, who died on Sunday 30 October 2022 after a long illness. He was 79 years old.
Benson Wabule joined the Y’s Men’s Club of Thika in Kenya in 1986 at the age of 43, one year after joining the Thika YMCA. A lawyer by profession, at that time he was working as the Administrative Manager of Leyland Kenya Ltd. Outside of his official job responsibilities, Benson was also involved in numerous other activities reflective of his excellent character.
Benson, a great proponent of education, was simultaneously a member of the Board of Governors for both Kilmambogo Teachers College and Thika Technical School. He was also Chairperson of the Board for the Salvation Army Pry School for the Blind (Thika) and Chairperson of the Management Committee of the Moi Academy (Thika). He was a Chancellor (legal advisor) for the ACK Diocese of Maseno North, the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Benson became President of the Thika Club for the year 1988/89. He was elected Regional Director of Africa Southeast and served as RD from 1991 to 1993. He was Area President of Area Africa from 1996 to 1998. In 2004, his fellow Y’s Men, recognising his service, dedication and leadership capabilities, honoured Benson by electing him to the highest office of our movement. Benson was International President in 2005/06, becoming the first club member from Africa to be elected to the position.
After his term as IP, Benson did not retire. He continued to support Y’s Men in many ways. He enthusiastically embraced and met the challenges of the various positions he held since his presidency. These included chairing the 2010 Yokohama International Convention Committee, the Constitution Review Committee, the Manual Review Committee, the UN Projects Committee, and the Past International Presidents’ Club. Benson was also a member of the special ISG Review/Selection Committee in 2010.
In 2015, Benson’s years of commitment and love for the movement were recognised with the Association’s highest honour, the Harry M. Ballantyne Award of Merit.
Benson has been lovingly supported throughout by his wife, Mary Wabule, and his five children: Anthony, Kennedy, Brenda, Michael and Patrick.