KENYA: A Private Funeral for Archbishop Emeritus Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki Set for Tuesday

By Andrew Kaufa ,SMM

The funeral of late Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki who died on March 30, 2020 at the Clergy Home of the Archdiocese of Nairobi will take place at Holy Family Basilica on Tuesday April 7.

This is according to the announcement made by the Communications Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Nairobi Rev. Fr David Njau who added, “A requiem Mass shall start at 10:00 am followed by burial in the crypt of the Basilica.”

Despite many eulogies pouring in from conferences, bishops, clergy, and laity from across the country and beyond, Fr David Njau has communicated that Archbishop Ndingi’s funeral will be a private funeral ceremony following the government restrictions on public gathering as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the announcement on March 31, the Chairman of AMECEA Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde has sent a message of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal John Njue and the Archdiocese of Nairobi and to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), joining them in prayer for the repose of the late Archbishop Emeritus Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki.

“The Church in AMECEA region cherishes Archbishop Ndingi’s prophetic works and life, more especially his passion and commitment for justice, to stop the exploitation and domination of the voiceless wherever the Lord sent him. This character in him made the beatitudes which Jesus taught us lived in the real-life circumstances of our own times,” reads Bishop Kasonde’s condolence message to the chairman of KCCB Most Rev. Philip Anyolo.

“The life story of Archbishop Ndingi will always remain prophetic voice in AMECEA region, reminding us about the need to promote human development as integral to our mission of evangelization as Pope Francis continues to remind us, more especially promoting the ideals and values of social justice, reconciliation and peace,” he added.

Expressing his sympathy to Cardinal Njue, Rt. Rev. Kasonde further regretted the death of Archbishop Ndingi saying his death “He was a reminder to us all that Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought (Pope Saint John Paul II). As such, this is a difficult time but also an occasion for AMECEA family to celebration his life well lived.”

“Let me also take this opportunity to thank you, Your Eminence, and the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Nairobi for the tireless care and support you gave to Most Rev. Ndingi during his retirement,” Rt. Rev. Kasonde continued.

Meanwhile, the media is amassing with testimonies of Kenyans that describe late Most Rev. Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki as a fearless in calling out the political class in the country to be accountable to their people.

“The late Archbishop who celebrated 50^th Episcopal Anniversary in August 2019 is famous for standing up against the KANU regime during the 1980s and early 1990s when he was Bishop of Nakuru,” reports Samuel Waweru through KCCB’s Catholic Media Network.

On his part, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri recalls Archbishop Ndingi as a loving father to all and a fearless servant of God, a selfless and caring, a man who had the poor and the marginalized at heart. “He is known to have walked from village to village visiting the people’s houses and even meeting with the street hawkers in Nakuru,” he is quoted by Catholic Media Network reporter.

In his expression of sympathy to KCCB on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Bishop George Lungu who is President of the Conference and Ordinary for Chipata Diocese said, “Your loss is equally shared us here in Zambia and more so within the circles of the Bishops Conference. The late Archbishop will be missed as a passionate champion of social justice, defender of the sanctity of life and marriage, a protagonist of peace and reconciliation as well as caring shepherd for his flock.”

Also the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga has sent a message of condolence to the Bishops in Kenya. Eulogizing the late Archbishop, he said, “He spearheaded inculturation in the Catholic way of Life.”

Born on December 25, 1931, Raphael Simon Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki was ordained to priesthood on January 32, 1961 in Nairobi Archdiocese. Appointed bishop of Machakos on May 31, 1969 he was ordained bishop on August 1 the same year. On August 30, 1971 Bishop Ndingi was appointed Ordinary for Nakuru Diocese where he served until his appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese in June 14, 1996. In fact, he succeeded His Eminence Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga as Archbishop of Nairobi on April 21, 1997 and served in that capacity until his retirement on October 6, 2007.

Archbishop Emeritus Ndingi died on March 30, 2020 following which Cardinal Njue made the announcement on March 31, 2020.

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.