The late Archbishop John Njega was indeed a man of the people, ranging from politicians, business people and the ordinary Kenyans. His loss is clearly a major blow to the many people he inspired through the word of God.
One such person is Kalonzo Musyoka who has joined other leaders like President Uhuru Kenyatta in celebrating the life of the fallen man of God.
Kalonzo remembered how he visited the late Archbishop and how he looked strong and jovial with his death coming as a shocker to him.
“When we visited in June you were jovial, upbeat and strong, may the Angels open the gates of Heaven for you. Rest In Peace Archbishop. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in eternal peace”. Amen,” said Kalonzo.
The late retired Archbishop, who died on November 4 will be buried in the precincts of the Holy Family Basilica . He retired as the Archbishop of Mombasa in 2005 after leading the archdiocese for 17 years.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are attending the funeral mass at the University of Nairobi grounds.
The former vice president Moody Awori is also in attendance.
In his autobiography, Mr Awori said that it was Archbishop Njenga who converted him to Catholicism by teaching him the catechism at the Holy Ghost College, now known as Mang’u High School.
Other key personalities who were at Holy Ghost College at the same time as Archbishop Njenga are former president Mwai Kibaki, Dr Lawrence Sagini and trade unionist Tom Mboya.
The deceased joined priesthood in 1948 at Kibosho Seniou Seminary in Tanzania where he studied philosophy, theology and pastoral studies for nine years.
After his ordination as a priest in 1957, he returned to the country and was posted to Kiserian Junior Seminary where he served for three years until 1960.
Between 1961 and 1964, he went to London and Rome where he studied Social Studies and the Canon law to doctorate level.
Upon returning to Kenya, Archbishop Njenga was put in charge of Law at the Catholic Secretariat before he was appointed the parish priest of the Lady Visitation, Makadara between 1964 and 1969.
He was the first priest in for Nairobi archdiocese.
Rest with the Angles Bishop!