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JANUARY 2004 - PART ONE
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Four Kenyan Bishops sign an
agreement in London
Kenyans from all walks of life joined four
Kenyan Bishops from Diocese of Mt. Kenya East for a church ceremony at Barking,
Essex, on Sunday 18th January, 2004. The Bishops signed an agreement of
memorandum of understanding with the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsfield,
which was witnessed by a large number of Kenyans who turned up in support of
their bishops. The agreement, which was signed between the two dioceses,
covered many issues including the stand of the church in opposing the gay
issues. The bishops signing the agreement included Bishop Daniel Munene Ngoru of
Kirinyaga, Bishop Charles Mwendwa Ndiga of Meru, Bishop Gideon Ireri of Mbeere
and Bishop Njue of Embu. On the Church of England was Bishop John Gladwin of
Chelmsfield. The colourful ceremony took place at St. Margaret Church of
England, Barking. After the ceremony the bishops were treated with light lunch
which was hosted by the hosts. Later on in the evening the Bishops went for a
reception which was held at St. Katherine's Church, Surrey Quays, South East
London. The reception was organised by Kenyan Anglican church ministers in the
UK. Among them were Rev. Simon Maina, Rev. Dr. Timothy Njuguna, Rev. Francis
Giteru Waweru, Ven. Kahare, Secretary of Kenya Anglican Church in the UK, Mr.
Daniel Wahinya and the host Rev. Lukas Wanjie.
At the reception,which was attended by a number
of invited guests, all the bishops explained in details about the situation in
Kenya. The details covered a large number of issues including the HIV/AIDS,
financial situation, change of constitution in Kenya among others. Bishop
Mwendwa of Meru explained that the situation of HIV/Aids in Meru and in Kenya in
general is so serious that in some cases they bury over 10 people in a week from
within a small area. He explained that Miraa is a big issue in Meru as the drug
has interfered with the education of many children in the area because of quick
money which makes the children run away from school. He explained that it is a
sad case with the farmers of Miraa because the miraa land has been taken away
from them by Somalians who have hired some farms for up to 15 years.
Bishop Ngoru from Kirinyaga who is a quite
joyous man explained that Kenya will take time to recover as the country was in
the Intensive Care Unit. Now the country is back to the Ward and ready to be
discharged to start the recovery. He caused laughter when he explained that
names have meanings. He explained that in his diocese of Kirinyaga there is a
boy in one of the churches called "Mbuko", which means a mole. One day he called
the boy and asked him: "why are you called mbuko?", the boy told the bishop, "I
don't know, go and ask my mother." The bishop took time and asked the mother why
he called his son mbuko. The mother explained to the Bishop: "I gave birth to
the first child, I named him after my husband's father, the child passed away, I
gave birth to the second boy and named him after my father, again the boy passed
away, I gave birth to the third son and named him after my husband's brother, he
also passed away and so on up to the firth one. When I gave birth to the sixth
son, I decided to change the name to a name of an animal since all the others
had human names. I named him "mbuko" and up to today the boys is living."
the bishop explained.
The bishops are in London until next Friday 23rd
January, 2004 when they shall leave for Kenya. Their contact in London is 0207
237 3679.
Anglican faithful at the service. From right is Kangethe's and Mr&Mrs.
Kimani |
From right is Kangethe and his mother Wakangethe |
Procession of the Church of England leaders ready to sign the agreement |
Preaching was done the Bishop of Chelmsfield Bishop John Gladwin |
The first Bishop of Mbeere (ACK) Bishop Gideon Ireri signing the agreement
at the service |
The may of Barking and Dagenham was in attendance |
From left is Sam Ochieng, Kenyan visitor, Joyce Kamau, cucu Hilda Wairimu,
and Perez Ochieng at far right |
Dressing for the occasion was Lawson Mbugguss (left) a deacon in the church
and his partner as they followed the procession in the church |
A group photo of Kenyans and the Bishops the
Diocese of Mt. Kenya East after the church service
Posing with the Bishops from left is Susan
Wambui, Pastor Jane Njiiri, Bishop Ireri, Catherine Kairu, Dennis and Bishop
Njue
Miss Joyce Kamau being welcomed by Bishop John of Chelmsfield |
Bishop Daniel Munene Ngoru of Kirinyaga (right) chatting with Mr. Muhindi
(centre) as Susan (left) awaits her turn |
Some Kenyans posing with Bishop Njue (right) of Embu and Bishop Mwendwa of
Meru |
Mrs. Perez Ochieng (left) of Sahara Communities Abroad chatting with Bishop
Njue |
From left is Pastor Jane Njiiri, Elizabeth Kang'ethe, Jane Kang'ethe and
Ruth Kang'ethe |
Bishop Ireri of Mbeere posing with Anglican team. From left is Mr. Wahinya
secretary of Kenya Anglican Fellowship in the UK and Ven. Kahara (right) |
| |
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Bishop Njue of Embu addressing Kenyans at the
reception dinner after the celebrations at Surrey Quays, South London
Mrs. Ruby Rubia (left) was among the guests at
the bishop's reception
A cross section of Kenyans at the reception. From right is Ruby Rubia, Rev.
Maina of Worthing, Mr. Ayub Wainaina and Pastor Jane |
The host of the reception Rev. Wanjie |
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Rt. Rev. George G. Ireri, First Bishop of Mbeere (ACK), P.O. Box 122,
Siakago, Kenya. Tel: 068-30909, Fax 068-21083, Mobile 0722343421 - email
ackmbeere@swiftkenya.com |
Bishop Daniel Munene Ngoru, Diocese of Kirinyaga, P.O. Box 95 Kutus, Kenya.
email kirinyaga@swiftkenya.com
or kirinyagaack@maf.or.ke |
|
Rt. Rev. Charles Mwendwa Ndiga, P.O. Box 427 Meru, Kenya. Tel: 064-30719.
email ackmeru@swiftkenya.com |
Bishop Moses Njue, Diocese of Embu, Kenya. P.O. Box 189, Embu. email ackembu@siwftkenya.com |
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END FOR NOW!