Retired Catholic Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki is dead.
Mwana a’Nzeki died on Monday night at Clergy House in Nairobi aged 89.
The announcement was made by Nairobi Archbishop John Cardinal Njue on Tuesday.
“A sombre morning as His Eminence John Cardinal Njue has announced the passing on of His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki. Let us pray for the repose of his soul,” the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi said in a Facebook post.
Mwana a’Nzeki was born on December 25, 1930 in Machakos.
He was consecrated bishop by Pope Paul VI.
He served in the dioceses of Machakos (1969-1971) and Nakuru (1972-1996).
In 1996 he was made the coadjutor of the Archdiocese of Nairobi in 1997.
Mwana a’Nzeki later became the archbishop of Nairobi in 1997, where he served until his retirement in 2007.
President Uhuru Kenyatta described the late prelate as a loving and outstanding man of God whose servant leadership shall be missed by Kenyans.
ODM leader Raila Odinga mourned him as “one of the brightest lights to have graced our nation in our time.”
“Kenyans knew they could always count on him to stand and speak out for truth and justice whatever the threat that posed to his life. I join all Kenyans and the Catholic Church in particular in praying that God place his soul in eternal glory. As a country we will miss his distinguished service and dedication to humanity. Fare thee well,” Raila said.
His party ODM said, “We mourn the falling of a Man of God, tough and fearless defender of the oppressed. A man who stood for the truth and openly spoke about what the common man wanted to hear, a defender of human rights, Archbishop (Rtd) Ndingi Mwana’a Nzeki. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto tweeted, ” We are devastated at the loss of His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki. He was a towering and progressive spiritual figure who relentlessly advocated for equal justice in our society.”
“A moral enthusiast, focussed and selfless leader with enduring love for everyone, Mwana a’Nzeki was humble, persuasive and prolific; he will be fondly remembered for working for the greater good of the people of Kenya. Our thoughts and prayers with the family, the Catholic Church and friends of His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki. Rest In Peace,” the DP added.
