Graham Lwangu

Graham Olu was born in 2001 to the Late David Lwangu Barasa, the Late Josephine Akello Ogola and the Late Lydia Wanja Mate. He grew up alongside his siblings Baron Barasa, Ann Imbuga, Esther Atieno, Victor Gitonga and Humphrey Mutugi with whom he shared a close bond and a common heritage. His parents went before him, but the foundation they laid for their children lived on in Graham and his siblings, and remains part of the legacy he leaves behind. Graham and his siblings easily integrated into the Mate family in Kanyuambora, Embu County where they are cherished members. A Life of Growth and Learning Graham grew up in Mtito Andei and Kanyuambora. He began school at Grace Academy in Mtito Andei, then moved to Kanyuambora Primary School, and later to Kanyuambora Boys High School for his secondary education. It was in these years that his curiosity, especially about how things work, began to take shape. Graham loved to learn, and technology held his attention above all. While still in his teens he trained in ethical hacking at the Zalego Institute of Technology and Innovation (2019-2020), and went on to Cisco Networking Academy, where he trained for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (20202021). In January 2021 he enrolled at Zetech University to study Software Engineering, and pursued the degree until November 2024. Alongside it, he studied web development at Codesmith (2022-2023) and undertook a Fullstack Developer programme at Holberton School (2023-2024). His learning was not confined to technology. Between December 2023 and April 2024 he studied for a Certificate in Kenyan Sign Language at the Kenya Institute of Special Education, a reminder that his interest in communication reached well beyond code.Career Graham built his career in software engineering, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and in a short time he took on real responsibility. From October 2022 to December 2025 he served as a Legislative Intern at the County Assembly of Kiambu, contributing to research and policy work on emerging technologies and their social and economic effects. Between March and November 2025 he served as Chief Technology Officer of DalensAI and as Tech Lead at MeallensAI, shaping technical architecture and building AIdriven products. From September 2025 to March 2026 he was Treasurer of Based Creators East Africa, supporting financial planning, treasury management and digital asset security. Earlier, from November 2023 to November 2024, he served as a crew member at Droidcon Kenya, part of the technology community he valued. His career was still unfolding, yet he had already webbed together associates and teams in technology, research, leadership and community service. It was the path of a young man still learning, still building, and still asking how his skills could serve others.