Muheria installed as archbishop, Wamathai seeks intervention
Archbishop Anthony Muheria (seated) is installed as the head of the Nyeri Archdiocese at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri on June 17, 2017. PHOTO | NICHOLAS KOMU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The governor asked Archbishop Muheria to pray for national peace and unity ahead of the General Election.
- Cardinal John Njue urged political leaders to refrain from making incendiary remarks.
Nyeri Governor Samuel Wamathai has pleaded for prayers from the new area Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria to enable him trounce his rivals in the forthcoming election.
Governor Wamathai, an independent, is facing stiff competition from industrialist Thuo Mathenge, hotelier Patrick Maina Munene of Democratic Party and Wahome Gakuru of Jubilee Party.
POVERTY
Speaking at Christ the King Major Seminary during Archbishop Muheria’s installation, the governor also asked the Man of God to pray for national peace and unity ahead of the General Election.
He lauded the Catholic Church for investing in water, health and education in the county and working towards alleviating poverty.
"There has been a long working relationship between the church and the devolved government and a lot has been achieved for general welfare of the people.
"We are grateful and we recognize all the interventions made by the church," he said.
Catholic priests follow proceedings during the installation of Anthony Muheria as Nyeri's Archbishop, at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri on June 17, 2017. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
INTRODUCTION
However, in his speech, Mr Wamathai failed to recognize Mr Gakuru but introduced Mr Mathenge, though they were all sitting in the same tent.
Mr Wamathai also failed to acknowledge the presence of Mama Ngina Kenyatta, deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Chief of Staff and Head of Civil Service Joseph Kinyua, among others.
The move forced Archbishop Muheria to recognize all of them by their names in his remarks.
Catholic Church faithful attend the installation ceremony of Anthony Muheria as Nyeri's Archbishop, at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri on June 17, 2017. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
KAIRU RETIRES
The ceremony marked the end of an eight-year tenure of Archbishop Peter Kairu, who is now retired.
The event was attended by thousands of faithful led by Cardinal John Njue.
Archbishop Muheria was also accompanied by his family led by his brother, Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge.
PROGRAMME
The installation was conducted at the beginning of liturgical mass by Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Charles Balvo and Archbishop Kairo.
It started with the reading of the appointment letter written by Pope Francis on May 23.
The letter was read in Latin, Swahili and Kikuyu languages.
Mama Ngina Kenyatta (in blue) follows proceedings of the installation of Anthony Muheria as Nyeri's Archbishop, at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri County on June 17, 2017. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Archbishop Muheria then recited the apostle creed alone.
"I am very emotional today because I felt homesick after leaving Kitui but now I have found a new home. There is a lot to do but of course I will always turn to mzee (Kairo) for guidance," he said.
PEACE
Cardinal John Njue called for peace, urging political leaders to refrain from making incendiary remarks that could spark violence.
"Be guided by the truth and move in the right direction. The General Election is a serious function ahead us and we must pray seriously about it," he said.
Also present was Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, among others.
