Nairobi cardinal condemns pro-abortion legislation
Nov 25, 2008
Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi led a demonstration on Saturday against legislation that would legalize abortion in Kenya. In a homily following the demonstration, Cardinal Njue decried foreign pressure to legalize abortion and said, ‘I appeal to you, young people of this country, not to be party to this anti-human-dignity move, while you women, you should not allow your wombs to be turned into slaughterhouses.’ Cardinal Njue’s staunch pro-life advocacy, evinced in a September 28 pastoral letter, was blasted on Friday in the Daily Nation, Kenya’s largest newspaper.
Il Cardinale Njue avvia la mobilitazione dei cattolici per fermare l'aborto
Oct 10, 2008
“Raccogliamo almeno un milione di firme per bloccare la discussione in Parlamento di una legge ingiusta”
( (Agenzia Fides 8/10/2008)) AFRICA/KENYA - Nairobi -“Vi invito a difendere con forza la vita dei bambini non ancora nati. Gridate a voce alta che l'aborto è la deliberata interruzione della gravidanza con l'uccisione di bambini nascituri indifesi . Tale azione diretta, voluta, sia come un fine o un mezzo, è gravemente contraria alla legge morale e alla dottrina cristiana”. É l'appello lanciato da Sua Eminenza il Cardinale John Njue, Arcivescovo di Nairobi, per mobilitare la comunità cattolica nel momento in cui il Parlamento locale sta discutendo una legge per legalizzare l'aborto.
Il Cardinale Njue ha scritto una lettera pastorale, il cui testo è stato inviato all'Agenzia Fides, nella quale ribadisce che “l'aborto significa uccidere una persona innocente, e Dio dice: 'Tu non uccidere' (Esodo 20:13). Il grembo di una madre si suppone sia il luogo migliore in cui il bambino, anche quello appena concepito, dovrebbe sentirsi più sicuro e amato. In nessun modo possiamo sostenere una società che distrugge i nascituri, che sono stati creati come doni gratuiti di Dio per la comunità”.
Rivolgendosi ai cattolici impegnati in politica, il Cardinale Njue li inviata ad agire nel rispetto dell'insegnamento della Chiesa: “Voi cattolici che avete assunto posizioni di responsabilità pubblica dovete essere contraddistinti dal senso di integrità morale. Le vostre azioni devono essere in sintonia con la vostra fede e con i principi morali insegnati dalla Chiesa, alla quale afferma di far parte. Al fine di realizzare le vostre responsabilità pubbliche è necessario difendere la moralità pubblica e promuovere l'ordine pubblico e la pace. È necessario lavorare per leggi e politiche pubbliche che sostengono la vita umana e promuovano il bene comune. È necessario lavorare duramente per assicurare la cura prenatale per tutte le donne. È necessario lavorare per correggere le ingiustizie e tutte le situazioni malefiche che minacciano la dignità e i diritti dell'uomo. È necessario disporre di una speciale attenzione verso le persone svantaggiate e prive di diritti”.
Per bloccare la legislazione abortiva, il Cardinale Arcivescovo di Nairobi invita i fedeli e gli uomini di buona volontà a raccogliere “un milione di firme per il bambino”.
“Questo è il momento per unirsi alla nostra fase preliminare di resistenza ad una legislazione illegale. Legalizzare l'aborto non ha posto nella culture e tradizioni africane. Chiedo a tutte le parrocchie, alle comunità religiose, ai cristiani ed alle persone di buona volontà di avviare la raccolta di milioni di firme in modo da presentare la petizione alle autorità competenti e porre fine a questa campagna per discutere come uccidere i bambini non ancora nati”.
“Questa è la nostra crociata non-stop in difesa dei bambini per i prossimi due mesi. Radio Waumini, gli annunci nelle parrocchie, i manifesti e il National Mirror, vi terranno informati sul nostro modo di procedere” conclude il Cardinale Njue.
Kenyan Cardinal Blasts Government Attempt to Legalise Abortion
Oct 07, 2008
Abortion has no place in African cultures and traditions.
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - "Legalising abortion has no place in African Cultures and traditions," says one of Africa's highest ranking Catholic prelates. John Cardinal Njue, the Catholic archbishop of Nairobi, Kenya, has issued a pastoral letter calling abortion a "foreign concept" and blasting the government for attempting to legalise it in Kenya. He also warned Catholic politicians of the spiritual consequences of supporting the bill.
Addressing Kenyan Catholics and "people of good will," Cardinal Njue urged the Kenyan people to "stand firm against this evil of abortion." He wrote, "Abortion is not merely the removal of some tissue from a woman's body. Abortion is not the removal of a living 'thing' that would become human if it were allowed to remain inside the woman's body. Abortion is the destruction of an unborn baby."
He called upon his flock to speak out against the bill, drafted by a coalition of radical feminist organisations, writing, "Say and shout it aloud that: Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy by killing the unborn and defenceless child ... Abortion is killing an innocent person and God says, 'You shall not kill'."
The Cardinal made the Church's position on abortion clear for those who would support it legislatively: "A person who procures an abortion, where the effect follows, incurs an automatic excommunication' (Canon 1398). This includes any human person who knowingly has the abortion and anyone who assists willingly and directly, such as the doctor, the nurse or others.
"Let it be understood that in the final analysis excommunication is the choice of the individual; it is not the choice of the Church." To those in public life, Cardinal Njue said it is better to give up a political career than support the killing of children in the womb.
Britain's Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is sending a letter of thanks and support to the cardinal for his stand and is encouraging pro-life people around the world to do the same. SPUC has identified Kenya's draft Reproductive Health and Rights bill as another attempt at eugenic population control in Africa.
If it is approved, the bill will make access to abortion easily available to minors without any legal requirement of parental knowledge or consent. It would legalise abortion in cases of rape and incest, creating a legislated system of discrimination against people based on the way they were conceived, SPUC says.
It would also allow eugenic abortion for those babies thought to be at risk of "severe physical or mental abnormality" or "extreme social deprivation." This would effectively create a legal "lethal prejudice" against the disabled and poor says SPUC.
The Cardinal's letter continued, "The womb of any mother is supposed to be the safest place where the child, even just conceived, should feel most secure and loved. There is no way we shall support a society that destroys the unborn who have been created as a gratuitous gift from God to the community."
Kenya: Cardinal speaks out against proposed abortion law
Sept 14, 2008
In his harshest criticism yet of a proposed law to legalise abortion, Nairobi Catholic archbishop, Cardinal John Njue, says it would turn the womb from a sacred place of life into a "slaughterhouse.
(indcatholicnews.com, 10 September 2008) Life is sacred and there is "no negotiation to be done with regard to this, the cardinal said on Saturday while celebrating the fifth Memorial Mass for the late archbishop of Nairobi, Cardinal Maurice Otunga.
Njue appealed to Members of Parliament "never to make any law that will contradict the commandments of God. The Fifth Commandment states: You Shall not kill.
The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) and the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) have drafted the Reproductive Health and Rights Bill 2008 and vowed to push for its enactment by Parliament.
The new Bill seeks to authorize medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and when the pregnancy puts the mother's life in danger or when it is clear the mother is incapable of caring for the baby.
There are no statistics on abortion in Kenya, but it is believed that illegal, back-street abortions are widespread. Proponents argue that legalizing abortion and providing the service in public hospitals will save the lives and health of many women who seek illegal services.
Media and NGO reports indicate increased incidents of rape and defilement and teenage sex. The age of onset of sexual activity among youth has reportedly dropped significantly in recent years. There is also widespread use of emergency contraption, especially among urban youth.
Cardinal Njue said the proposed law does not reflect the reproductive health situation in Kenya and is being pushed from elsewhere by "people who have destroyed their own countries and want to destroy ours in the name of civilization.
He specifically urged women to reject any move to legalize abortion. "You are not women by chance; you are mothers by God's design, he said.
Cardinal Njue urges MPs to tread carefully
Sept 05, 2008
Caption: Catholic head Cardinal Njue has urged Mps not to pass the abortion draft bill.
(kbc.co.ke, Aug 25, 2008) Catholic head Cardinal John Njue has warned Mps to tread carefully on the abortion draft bill to be tabled in Parliament soon.
The cardinal warned of a tragedy in the country if abortion was legalized adding that it should never be allowed even on health grounds.
Life started at conception, he explained, and terminating a foetus was tantamount to murder, which was against God's commandment.
Presiding over ordination of six seminarians into Deaconate at Gusii stadium on Sunday he clarified that he was not affiliated to any political party, but duty bound to point out the truth on pertinent socio-political issues.
Njue stressed that law makers must guard against legislation bent on stripping people off their identity and dignity.
He spelt out the role of stakeholders, and parents in the holistic upbringing of children to tame unrest in schools and permissiveness.
At the same time, Education minister Sam Ongeri defended his ministry's ban on tuition and said it was well intentioned if society had to mold children into responsible adults.
Ongeri called for prudent utilization of public resources allocated to institutions of learning for improvement of infrastructure and examination performance.
He called for unity in the local community for the achievement of meaningful development.
Boys defy Cardinal Njue and riot
Jul 23, 2008
A school affiliated to the Catholic church was yesterday closed after riots.
(nationmedia.com, 7/23/2008) Students at Queen of Apostles Seminary in Kasarani were ordered out of the school after a dormitory was razed during the lunch break.
The incident happened a few hours after Catholic head John Cardinal Njue and auxiliary bishop of Nairobi David Kamau addressed the boys to stop them from striking.
The torched dormitory housed Form Ones.
The rector, Fr John Muindi, was not available for comment.
Elsewhere, students of Kericho Tea Secondary school were sent home after their attempt to burn the school was foiled.
Seven students who attempted to burn the institution had been arrested and feed on Sunday.
The students were opposed to sitting mock examination.
And, Nyahururu High School was Tuesday closed following an arson attempt.
Other reports said a prefect at the school was stabbed in unclear circumstances and was admitted to the Nyahururu District General hospital.
Meanwhile, six students were Tuesday arrested for allegedly attempting to burn their school during a strike in Kirinyaga District.
Police seized the boys from Murinduko Mixed School in Mwea Division and locked them for questioning.
In a related incident, Kiamugumo Girls Secondary School was closed indefinitely when the students rioted.
The 150 girls walked out of the compound at 2.30am rejecting mock examinations.
And at Karoti Girls High school all the 920 students walked out of their dormitories at night.
The principal, Mrs Rose Githuku, said the girls rioted in support of their Form Four colleagues who were opposed to mock exams.
In Mwingi South, students of Migwani Secondary School went on the rampage on Monday night destroying buildings including a newly furnished computer lab.
The more than 500 marauding students set upon the buildings with stones and other crude weapons which they used to smash windows.
They were protesting against the bad food.
No amnesty, says cardinal
Jun 17, 2008
There should be no political amnesty for those responsible for the wave of post-election violence that swept across Kenya, the head of the country's Roman Catholic Church said on Sunday.
(news24.com, 16/06/2008) Nairobi - "Let it be heard and let it be understood, justice must be seen to be done," said Cardinal John Njue. "Anything less than that will not bring unity in the country."
Justice was a sure way to ensure genuine reconciliation in the east African nation, he added.
Ministers of the Kenyan coalition government have publicly disagreed in recent days over the amnesty issue.
Dozens of Kenyans have been detained in connection with the violence that swept the country in the aftermath of the December polls.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for a blanket amnesty for those who simply protested the results. But supporters of President Mwai Kibaki insisted that justice should follow its course.
Violence erupted in Kenya after pre-election front-runner Odinga accused President Kibali of election fraud.
The ensuing clashes sparked off a tribal and revenge killings that claimed 1 500 lives and and displaced around 300 000 people. There were also widespread incidents of rape.
The chaos in Kenya shook a nation generally seen as a haven of stability in a troubled region. Former United Nations secretary general chief Kofi Annan eventually managed to broker a solution to the crisis.
That involved a power-sharing deal in which Kibaki kept the presidency while Odinga took the the helm of a coalition cabinet.
Nairobi cardinal cautions Kenyan youths not to be used by politicians
Mar 19, 2008
Nairobi Cardinal John Njue has cautioned Kenyan youths against allowing themselves to be misused by politicians to cause chaos.
NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS, Mar-18-2008) -- He said that during the country's recent postelection violence it was clear that some young people were used by politicians to burn houses, rendering many people homeless.
"If you did not participate in the mayhem during the dark days of our postelection violence, most probably the end result would have been different. You accepted to be misused by some politicians," he said March 16.
Cardinal Njue addressed a large gathering of young Catholics from around the Archdiocese of Nairobi during celebrations for World Youth Day. Although World Youth Day will be celebrated internationally in Australia in July, many dioceses around the world have local celebrations on Palm Sunday, which was March 16.
The cardinal said the future of the church, the nation and the family depended on young people. He also reminded them that the church had a special mission for the young people, and they should reciprocate by remaining close to church teaching.
A day after the cardinal spoke, the New York-based Human Rights Watch accused ruling and opposition politicians of orchestrating the postelection violence, in which an estimated 1,000 people were killed and more than 300,000 were displaced.
On March 17, the Kenyan government appealed to the international community for $400 million for an emergency reconstruction program.
Il cardinale Njue esorta i fedeli a dedicare questo periodo di Quaresima alla riconciliazione
Feb 21, 2008
Il cardinale John Njue, arcivescovo di Nairobi, ha esortato i keniani a dedicare questo periodo di Quaresima alla riconciliazione nazionale, dopo le violenze a sfondo etnico seguite alle contestate elezioni del 27 dicembre.
(Radio Vaticana) NAIROBI, 20 feb 08 – L’appello è contenuto in una lettera pastorale letta in tutte le parrocchie della capitale nella messa di domenica scorsa. Il documento invita i fedeli a considerare l’origine etnica come “un dono di Dio, che ci ha dato la bellezza della diversità” e ricorda il dovere cristiano dell’impegno per la pace e la concordia: “I cattolici – si legge - sono chiamati a riflettere sul significato profondo della Parola di Dio per applicarla all’attuale situazione, in modo che il Mistero della Salvezza che viviamo in questi 40 giorni possa a riconciliarci con Dio e con il prossimo”. “Per realizzare il Regno dei Cieli in terra – prosegue il testo - dobbiamo chiederci onestamente se questa crisi che ha causato l’uccisione di vite innocenti e la distruzione di proprietà sia conciliabile con la vita cristiana”. Il Card. Njue esorta quindi tutti i fedeli alla solidarietà, a “ricostruire le nostre comunità cristiane a sostenere i valori dell’onestà, della fiducia, del perdono, e soprattutto, dell’amore” e a partecipare “attivamente” al processo di pacificazione avviato con la mediazione dell’ex Segretario dell’ONU Kofi Annan, su mandato dell'Unione Africana.
Finora in Kenya, dopo la contestata dichiarazione di vittoria di Mwai Kibaki, il 30 dicembre, ci sono stati più di un migliaio morti, e 600mila sfollati. Da qualche giorno, peraltro, le violenze sono diminuite, ma il rischio è che l’attuale stallo dei negoziati condotti da Annan le rilanci con forza.
È in passo nella giusta direzione
Feb 17, 2008
“Spero che i nostri due leader continuino sulla strada del dialogo mettendo al primo posto il bene comune e le necessità reali del popolo del Kenya” dice a Fides il Cardinale Njue
Nairobi
(Agenzia Fides 16/2/2008)- “È in passo nella giusta direzione, e una dimostrazione che la via del dialogo è l’unica percorribile per riportare la pace in Kenya”. Cosi il Cardinale John Njue, Arcivescovo di Nairobi e Presidente della Conferenza Episcopale del Kenya, commenta in una dichiarazione rilasciata all’Agenzia Fides le affermazioni del mediatore internazionale per la crisi keniana, Kofi Annan, sul raggiungimento di una prima intesa tra il Presidente Kibaki e il capo dell’opposizione Odinga. Il 15 febbraio Annan ha annunciato che è stato definito un programma in di riforme per un nuovo governo, aggiungendo però che le due parti si devono ancora accordare sulle sue modalità di attuazione. Il Cardinale Njue è cosciente che occorre ancora tempo per raggiungere un accordo definitivo ed esorta i politici a proseguire lungo il cammino tracciato. “Spero che i nostri due leader continuino sulla strada del dialogo mettendo al primo posto il bene comune e le necessità reali del popolo del Kenya. La via del dialogo che è stata aperta non deve chiudersi” ha ammonito il Cardinale. Domenica 17 febbraio nelle parrocchie di Nairobi, verrà letto una Lettera Pastorale del Cardinale Njue. “Nel mio messaggio indico proprio la necessità di accettarsi gli uni con gli altri, seguendo la via dell’amore per ritrovare la pace attraverso la riconciliazione. Chiedo inoltre a tutti di aiutare le persone in difficoltà a causa delle violenze delle scorse settimane” spiega il Cardinale Njue, che si trova a Roma per la presa di possesso del suo titolo cardinalizio.
Una cauta speranza dunque, incoraggiata pure dalla determinazione di Kofi Annan nel perseguire la sua missione di mediazione fino ad ottenere un accordo definitivo. “Siamo in mezzo al guado e l’ultima tappa, per quanto difficile e spaventosa, verrà superata. Non lascerò il Paese finché non sarà trovata una soluzione” ha dichiarato Annan.
L’accordo annunciato da Annan verte su tre punti centrali, accettati in linea di principio, ma sulla cui attuazione occorre mediare per conciliare le posizioni divergenti del Presidente e dell’opposizione. Al primo punto vi è il governo di unità nazionale; le divergenze vertono su quanto potere attribuire all’opposizione. Il secondo punto riguarda la riforma della Costituzione, con la creazione del ruolo del Premier in modo da bilanciare l’ampio potere concesso dall’attuale Costituzione del Capo dello Stato. Il partito del Presidente è favorevole ma vuole che la nuova Carta costituzionale entri in vigore nel 2012. Al terzo punto vi è la rinuncia dell'opposizione di tornare a votare a breve termine, a patto di indire nuove elezioni entro 2-3 anni: il governo vuole invece il rispetto dell’ordinario calendario elettorale. (L.M.)
Interview du cardinal John Njue
Feb 06, 2008
Interview du cardinal John Njue, créé cardinal par Benoît XVI.
(eucharistiemisericor.free.fr, 05.02.2008) Interview du cardinal John Njue. L’archevêque de Nairobi nous parle de l’Église africaine, née de la charité des missionnaires, dans un continent soumis aux conditionnements des pays développés
Lui aussi, il était dans la basilique Saint-Pierre le 24 novembre. Lui aussi, il a reçu la barrette rouge des mains de Benoît XVI. Le nouveau cardinal John Njue, africain du Kenya, est l’un des deux prélats africains créés cardinaux au cours du dernier Consistoire. Né en 1944 et baptisé en 1948, il a fréquenté le séminaire de Nkubu avant de se transférer à Rome où il étudie la philosophie à l’Université Pontificale Urbanienne où il passe sa maîtrise en 1969. En 1974, il obtient également sa maîtrise en théologie à l’Université Pontificale du Latran. Toujours à Rome, il est ordonné prêtre par Paul VI le 6 janvier 1973, le jour du trois cent cinquantième anniversaire de l’institution de la Congrégation pour l’Évangélisation des peuples. En 1986, il est ordonné évêque du diocèse d’Embu, où il reste jusqu’en 2002, avant d’être promu archevêque coadjuteur de Nyeri. Le 6 octobre 2007, il est nommé archevêque de Nairobi. Il recouvre différentes charges dans la Conférence épiscopale kényane avant d’en devenir le président. C’est à lui, en qualité d’administrateur apostolique, qu’est revenue la responsabilité du vicariat apostolique d’Isiolo après l’assassinat de l’évêque Luigi Locati (14 juillet 2005), qui a secoué l’Église catholique tout entière. En attendant que la justice fasse son cours, Mgr Njue ne veut pas faire de commentaire sur cette affaire. Nous rencontrons le prélat à Rome, tout de suite après le consistoire, le jour même de la mort de l’archevêque de Nyeri, Mgr Nicodemus Kirima, auquel le cardinal Njue était lié d’une très grande affection. Il nous en parle presque avec légèreté, comme on le fait lorsqu’il s’agit d’une chose qu’on a remise dans les mains de Dieu.
Pensez-vous que votre nomination représente aussi un geste de sollicitude du Saint Père envers le continent africain?
JOHN NJUE: Cette nomination est arrivée comme un coup de foudre dans un ciel bleu, une vraie surprise. J’ai appris en septembre que j’étais transféré de Nyeri, où j’étais archevêque coadjuteur, à Nairobi, et puis, le 17 octobre, on me dit que je vais être nommé cardinal. Cela a été une chose difficile à accepter, humainement parlant, car j’avais de la peine à quitter mon confrère, l’archevêque de Nyeri. Cela me coûtait de le quitter, mais l’obéissance a fini par avoir le dessus, parce que depuis le jour où je suis devenu diacre, puis prêtre, et puis encore au moment de mon ordination épiscopale, j’ai toujours eu au fond du cœur la disposition à être ouvert à la volonté de Dieu et en particulier à cette volonté de Dieu qui nous est révélée à travers l’Église et que l’Église nous communique à travers le pape. J’ai donc accepté avec cet esprit d’obéissance, plein d’espérance dans le Seigneur, le Seigneur qui reste près de nous lorsqu’Il nous donne une responsabilité. Il me semble que cette nomination n’est pas seulement un honneur pour moi, mais aussi pour l’Église du Kenya, pour l’Église de l’Afrique et aussi pour l’Église universelle, parce que lorsqu’on est nommé cardinal, on devient presque consulteur du Saint Père, chacun avec sa responsabilité, une responsabilité qui est confiée à chacun pour le bien de l’Église, et c’est pour cela que j’ai accepté. Et que la volonté de Dieu soit faite. Je me souviens, à ce propos, que lorsque nous avons rencontré le Saint Père, au cours de la récente visite ad limina des évêques du Kenya, et puis de nouveau, lorsque nous l’avons rencontré en tant que nouveaux cardinaux, il a beaucoup insisté sur la chose suivante: nous devons être des instruments dans les mains de Dieu, pour que l’Église grandisse, comme l’a voulu le Seigneur depuis le début.
Au cours de cette visite ad limina du 19 novembre dernier, le pape Benoît XVI a dit: «La communauté [chrétienne] devrait également être ouverte à l’accueil de ceux qui se repentent d’avoir participé au grave péché de l’avortement et devrait les conduire avec charité pastorale à accepter la grâce du pardon, la nécessité de la pénitence et la joie de pouvoir entrer encore une fois dans la vie nouvelle du Christ». Ces mots ont éveillé l’intérêt des médias italiens.
NJUE: Un péché reste un péché. Selon le Droit, ce péché entraîne l’excommunication. Mais c’est l’acte qui est condamné, tandis que la personne reste une personne. La position de l’Église sur la question de l’avortement me paraît très claire, de même qu’il me paraît évident que nous autres évêques, nous devons rester proches des personnes qui vivent dans cette difficulté, en les encourageant à redonner au Seigneur la place qui Lui revient dans leur vie. C’est une expression de la miséricorde de Dieu. Je ne pense pas que les paroles du pape soient une manière de dire que l’avortement est un péché soft, mais je crois plutôt qu’il s’est agit d’une invitation à une pastorale de miséricorde, qui reconnaisse le caractère central de l’amour de Dieu envers tous, quelles que soient les situations particulières. Il reste que, pour que cet amour soit une correspondance, il faut qu’il y ait conversion et il faut donc que soit redonnée au Seigneur la place qui Lui revient, selon l’alliance qui a été faite le jour du baptême.
Quelles sont, d’après vous, les priorités que l’Église africaine est appelée à affronter, du moment qu’elle se trouve dans un continent tourmenté par la faim et par la guerre?
NJUE: Il me semble que les Églises en Afrique ont une genèse commune, qui tire son origine de l’œuvre de nos missionnaires. Car si l’Église se trouve en Afrique aujourd’hui, c’est grâce au dévouement et à la générosité de nos missionnaires et par extension, des Églises plus antiques. Maintenant que les missionnaires sont de moins en moins nombreux dans presque tous les pays, il me semble qu’une de nos premières responsabilités est d’aider nos gens à prendre conscience qu’ils sont l’Église, de favoriser une autosuffisance du point de vue de l’évangélisation, de sorte que celle-ci soit confiée à des Africains, qu’ils soient laïcs ou religieux, de sorte que nos gens sentent que la paroisse, c’est eux, que le diocèse, c’est eux, et qu’enfin, l’Église, c’est eux. Nous avons fait de très belles expériences en ce sens: là où les gens avaient l’habitude de demander, aujourd’hui, au contraire, ils donnent. Il me semble que nous devons continuer dans cette direction, et pour que cela se fasse, il y a une autre priorité qui est la catéchèse. L’Église vit dans un monde immergé dans la mondialisation, un phénomène qui n’épargne personne: même ceux qui ne savent pas l’anglais en subissent l’influence. Pour rester enracinés dans la foi que nous avons reçue, il me semble que nous devons fonder notre œuvre sur la catéchèse. Il y a encore une autre priorité que nous devons repenser profondément, c’est l’appel à vivre dans un esprit de générosité. Bien sûr, l’Afrique est tourmentée par des guerres et par des catastrophes. Mais nous ne devons pas toujours attendre que les aides viennent de l’extérieur. Je crois au contraire que nous sommes appelés à vivre un esprit de générosité, du point de vue humain comme du point de vue chrétien. Il y a encore une autre chose très importante, me semble-t-il: c’est l’indépendance politique. Malheureusement, un bon nombre de nos pays ont des gouvernements qui sont liés, pour différentes raisons, à des pouvoirs extérieurs qui en conditionnent l’action. Au Kenya, nous avons eu dans les cinq dernières années une expérience positive: le dernier gouvernement a cherché le bien-être du peuple et cela est témoigné par une dépense publique vertueuse: plus de 93% des dépenses soutenues par notre gouvernement ont été rendues possibles grâce aux impôts payés par les gens. Cela me semble très intéressant, parce qu’en limitant les financements extérieurs, on a évité que les donateurs puissent dicter leurs conditions. Il me semble que la question de l’indépendance politique des nations africaines est une chose très importante. Malheureusement, dans le soi-disant “premier monde”, tout le monde ne donne pas la possibilité aux pays en voie de développement de vivre leur identité et leur dignité. Il y a trop de contraintes qui empêchent une vraie libération des peuples africains.
Croyez-vous que l’Union africaine puisse constituer une aide dans ce processus?
NJUE: L’Union africaine existe et elle constitue une donnée politique qu’on ne peut pas ignorer. Mais je me demande quel pouvoir elle a – qu’il s’agisse de son ensemble ou de chacun de ses membres – pour favoriser l’indépendance politique des pays africains. Je crois qu’il y a encore beaucoup de chemin à faire, et que pour pouvoir bien marcher, il faut que ce chemin vers l’indépendance politique commence dans chaque pays, qui devra à son tour partager cette expérience avec d’autres.
Il y aura des élections politiques au Kenya le 27 décembre prochain. L’Église est-elle intervenue à ce sujet?
NJUE: Le Kenya a sa propre histoire, et celle-ci commence avec l’indépendance de l’Angleterre, en 1964. Après l’indépendance, il n’était pas facile de construire un État, ni d’avoir des vues concrètes sur le parcours à suivre. Il fallait faire du chemin, et pendant plus de quarante ans, nous avons eu des gouvernements qui, plutôt que de penser au bien-être du peuple, ont utilisé leur pouvoir politique pour leurs propres intérêts, chose que les gens ont accepté de plus en plus difficilement avec le passage des années, d’autant plus qu’entretemps, la demande d’un État démocratique émergeait de plus en plus fortement. Il me semble qu’une réponse a été donnée à cette requête en 2002, lorsque le gouvernement actuel a été établi. Bien sûr, il avait ses limites, mais si on regarde en arrière, on constate que les choses vont mieux qu’auparavant. Des racines ont été jetées, il faut maintenant aller de l’avant. Nous avons eu des difficultés au cours de ces années, il y a eu un grand débat sur le référendum pour le changement de la constitution, un changement dont les gens ne veulent pas parce que, d’après moi, la discussion portait plus sur des questions politiques que sur le changement de la constitution. Il y aura des élections le 27 décembre et comme évêques, nous avons la responsabilité d’éduquer les gens. Nous avons donc publié une lettre pastorale en demandant au peuple d’assumer sérieusement cette responsabilité, parce que ces élections ne sont pas quelque chose de facultatif, mais une responsabilité, et même, peut-on dire, une obligation. Pour que les élections puissent se passer de manière transparente, nous avons demandé que toute violence soit évitée et que le commerce des voix soit banni. Nous avons aussi demandé aux jeunes de ne pas se faire manipuler par les politiciens. Nous avons adressé cet appel à tous, catholiques et non catholiques, en exerçant ce que nous croyons être notre responsabilité.
Quel est le rapport avec l’islam dans votre pays?
NJUE: Le Kenya est un pays laïc, un pays qui respecte toutes les religions. Il y a moins de 10% de musulmans dans notre pays, mais ceci ne veut pas dire qu’ils n’y sont pas, et pour vivre positivement avec eux, le dialogue est indispensable. Chez nous, ce dialogue est une réalité grâce à l’œuvre d’une commission interne à la Conférence épiscopale qui s’occupe du dialogue avec l’islam et avec les autres religions. Les problèmes viennent des politiciens, parce qu’il existe des gens qui veulent capter les voix des musulmans par des promesses dangereuses. En marge de la récente visite ad limina, lorsque nous nous trouvions à Rome, nous avons voulu lancer une mise en garde contre ce danger: personne ne doit fonder sa propre campagne électorale sur des promesses qui peuvent créer des difficultés au pays. Le peuple doit être consulté sur des questions qui concernent l’intérêt national.
Le drame de la Somalie se déroule aux portes du Kenya...
NJUE: C’est une question très compliquée. Malheureusement, le gouvernement a fermé ses portes aux réfugiés venant de Somalie. Nous ne savons pas pourquoi. Ils possèdent probablement des informations qu’ils n’ont pas rendues publiques. Nous avons demandé des explications. Par ailleurs, il est difficile d’aider les réfugiés: nous pouvons aider, et nous avons aidé ceux qui se trouvent dans notre pays. Pour les nombreux réfugiés qui restent à l’intérieur des frontières de la Somalie, notre Caritas essaie de leur faire arriver des aides à travers des canaux humanitaires qui sont aussi utilisés par d’autres.
Le 24 août 2000, on a trouvé mort le père John Anthony Kaiser, religieux de la Société missionnaire de Saint Joseph de Mill Hill. Cet assassinat a été au cœur d’une requête insistante de justice de la part de l’Église du Kenya, et pas seulement d’elle. Après de nombreux dépistages, qui tendaient principalement à faire passer cette mort pour un suicide, le tribunal compétent a établi en août dernier qu’il s’est agi d’un homicide.
NJUE: Cet homicide témoigne des difficultés dans lesquelles se trouvait le Kenya avant 2002. Le père Kaiser avait dénoncé différentes injustices et nous pensons que cela a été la raison de son assassinat. En août, la Cour a établi qu’il ne s’est pas agi d’un suicide comme on avait voulu le faire croire auparavant. Avant de venir à Rome, je suis allé voir l’Attorney general parce que nous voulons savoir exactement ce qui s’est passé: l’affaire n’est pas classée. Il s’agit d’une requête de justice que nous avons renouvelée le jour même de l’anniversaire de sa mort.
Quelle contribution peut offrir l’Église africaine à l’Église occidentale et que peut faire l’Église occidentale en faveur de l’Église africaine?
NJUE: Ce que peut faire l’Église, c’est avant tout d’être Église, or être Église veut dire ce que le Seigneur Lui-même a indiqué au début de sa mission dans la synagogue de Nazareth: « L’Esprit du Seigneur est sur moi, parce qu’il m’a consacré par l’onction, pour porter la bonne nouvelle aux pauvres » (Lc 4, 18). Je pense que, par ces paroles, le Seigneur voulait dire que telle est la mission; et la mission du Christ est la mission de l’Église. Si l’Église n’a pas de “missionnarité”, il me semble qu’elle n’est plus l’Église. Elle est morte, est n’est plus qu’une simple association. L’Église d’Afrique comme l’Église des pays développés devraient revenir à cette réalité de la mission. C’est pour cela qu’à mon avis, même là où il y a des prêtres africains, il est nécessaire qu’il reste une présence de missionnaires, parce que leur mission n’est pas du tout achevée. Leur présence, même minime, doit continuer parce qu’elle représente un point de référence qui rappelle à l’Église africaine d’où elle vient. D’autre part, nous aussi, les Africains, nous devons devenir missionnaires, non seulement en contribuant à la Journée missionnaire, mais en favorisant la création d’une communion entre l’Église des pays développés et l’Église qui provient des terres de mission. Nous donnerons ainsi le témoignage d’une Église qui est le vrai Corps du Christ.
Vous avez été ordonné prêtre par Paul VI, dont tous gardent en mémoire la phrase: « L’Afrique aux Africains »...
NJUE: Paul VI a prononcé ces mots à Kampala en 1969, pour faire comprendre que les Africains étaient désormais les missionnaires d’eux-mêmes. Il me semble que c’était un défi, une manière de dire: désormais vous devez vous voir vous-mêmes comme des hommes mûrs, capables de mener à bien l’œuvre missionnaire. Lorsque Benoît XVI nous a donné la barrette et l’anneau, cela a été une expérience très émouvante, qui m’a fait revivre, entre autre, le moment de mon ordination sacerdotale qui s’est déroulée justement ici, à Saint-Pierre, en ce lointain 6 janvier de 1973. Il y avait alors une crise de vocations, mais Paul VI nous a encouragés à rester unis au Seigneur, car de cette manière, nous aurions mené à bien la mission qui nous avait été confiée...
Churches Say Skirmishes in the Rift Valley Were Planned
Jan 28, 2008
The head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, John Cardinal Njue, says the violence in Rift Valley is no longer a protest over disputed presidential election results.
The East African Standard (Nairobi, 27 January 2008) Njue said it was clear some politicians had fanned the violence targeted at certain communities.
He said the violence meted out on a section of Kenyans and their property had been instigated by incitement.
"There is more than meets the eye," Njue told a congregation at Christ the King Major Seminary in Mweiga, Nyeri, on Saturday.
Njue said a discerning eye would notice that the violence was not spontaneous, but it appeared well planned and organised.
Youths had been misused to attack people they had lived with, he said. The Cardinal urged young people to put the country's interests first instead of engaging in combat to please leaders.
"Young people should not be misused to attack innocent people. Leaders will use you and later leave you," he said.
Njue said Kenyans were hopeful of a solution to the political crisis, but appealed to leaders not to negotiate in anger.
He also urged Christians to pray for the success of talks between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"Those involved in mediation talks should not forget the interests of all Kenyans," said the prelate.
Njue, who alongside other religious leaders met the eminent leaders facilitating the talks, led by former UN chief Kofi Annan, said there was high hope that the talks would bear fruits.
Njue was at the seminary to celebrate the day of Christ the King. The event was to be marked last year but was pushed forward after the death of Nyeri Archbishop, Nicodemus Kirima.
Separately in Nairobi, religious leaders echoed Njue's statements that the ongoing violence is planned and executed by organised gangs.
The clerics, led by Bishop Arthur Kitonga of Redeemed Gospel Church International, said the clashes have nothing to do with the disputed presidential poll results.
They called for an end to the clashes and pleaded for a solution to the crisis.
"This political mess can be resolved. It does not warrant Kenyans to rise against one another. We appeal to political leaders to spare no effort in reaching a just and amicable solution to the current crisis," said Kitonga, in a statement signed by 19 religious leaders.
The group also supported Annan's mediation initiatives.
"While we support and appreciate both the local and international mediation efforts led by Mr Annan, we painfully note that this violence is planned and executed by organised gangs living among us," he said.
È un Paese ferito
Jan 15, 2008
Il Cardinale Njue, Arcivescovo di Nairobi, condanna senza appello il tribalismo. Un missionario: “ la gente si sposta silenziosamente da una zona mista a un’altra nella quale vivono le persone della propria etnia”
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides, 14/1/2008) -“È un Paese ferito che sta ancora calcolando i danni di una violenza insensata” dice a Fides un missionario dal Kenya che non desidera essere citato per nome per motivi di sicurezza. “A Nairobi la situazione è calma, almeno in apparenza. Sotto la superficie però si sta operando una sorta di divisione etnica “pacifica”: la gente si sposta da una zona mista a un’altra nella quale vivono persone della propria etnia. Il tutto silenziosamente ma in modo costante. Di questo passo si verranno a creare tante isole “etnicamente pure”.
“Sul piano della vita di ogni giorno- prosegue la fonte di Fides- vi sono delle difficoltà per acquistare alimenti perché buona parte dei negozi di alimentari sono stati distrutti nei giorni scorsi. A Kibera, uno dei maggiori slum della capitale, esistevano dei negozi che vendevano il cibo a credito: compravi al mattino e pagavi alla sera. Questi esercizi commerciali non esistono più e la gente fa fatica a mangiare”.
“Nell’ovest del Kenya, a Eldoret e dintorni, dove si sono avuti gli scontri più gravi la situazione è più tesa- afferma il missionario. “Abbiamo raccolto alcune testimonianze di persone del posto che descrivano le pesanti devastazioni subite da città e villaggi. Intere cittadine distrutte, la maggior parte delle scuole dell’area bruciate: bambini e ragazzi non potranno continuare gli studi. In queste zone si è più avvertita l’influenza nefasta del tribalismo e di chi lo cavalca. Oltre ai Kikuyu, l’etnia del Presidente Kibaki sono state attaccate persone di altre etnie, che non avevano votato per il Presidente ma che non si erano uniti ai Luo, l’etnia del leader dell’opposizione Odinga, nelle violenze”.
“Il Cardinale John Njue, Arcivescovo di Nairobi, ha condannato duramente il tribalismo nella sua omelia della Messa che ha celebrato ieri, domenica 13 gennaio, presso la parrocchia della Consolata a Nairobi. Il Cardinale ha richiamato i cattolici a rinunciare agli schemi del tribalismo: “So che le mie parole daranno fastidio a qualcuno che è qui presente ma è mio dovere riferirvele”.
Mentre si attende l’arrivo in Kenya dell’ex Segretario Generale dell’ONU, Kofi Annan, che presiede una “commissione di Saggi” incaricata di proseguire la mediazione tra i leader keniani (vedi Fides 11/1/2008), cresce la preoccupazione per le nuove dimostrazioni di piazza indette da Odinga a partire da mercoledì 16 gennaio. Si temono nuovi incidenti e nuove vittime. Domani, 15 gennaio, si aprirà la prima sessione del Parlamento, uscito dalla elezioni del 27 dicembre. Né il partito di Odinga, con 99 seggi, né quello di Kibaki, con 43 seggi più 16 dei partiti alleati, possono da soli eleggere il Presidente del Parlamento. Si apre così un nuovo terreno di confronto politico che rischia di infiammare ancora di più gli animi.
Cardinal Convenes Ecumenical Peace Meeting After Poll Chaos
Dec 19, 2007
The Catholic Church will not influence its faithful to vote for certain candidates or parties, but will only educate them on the kind of leaders they should elect, the chairman of the bishops' conference said.
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi, 18 December 2007) John Cardinal Njue said next week's poll will determine the country's destiny for the next five years and urged Kenyans to vote wisely and avoid being enticed with money, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The cardinal appealed to all parliamentary and civic candidates throughout the country to avoid violence and hate speech during their campaigns. He was speaking at a peace meeting he convened Tuesday for parliamentary and civic aspirants in Mathira Constituency in central Kenya.
The meeting, also attended by pastors from among other churches, follows the recent killing of a man in campaign-related violence.
During the meeting, attended by three Mathira Parliamentary aspirants, Nderitu Gachagua, Ephraim Maina and Peter Kuguru, Cardinal Njue condemned the violence.
The peace meeting, however, turned acrimonious with the parliamentary aspirants absolving themselves from acts of violence while pointing accusing fingers at their opponents. Nderitu Gachagua who is the immediate former MP accused his political rivals of attacking his supporters during a campaign rally.
He also accused the police of failure to arrest the suspects, claiming that they were known to the residents. He said he would not protect any of his campaigners who are caught in acts of violence.
Maina, who is in the parliamentary race for the first time, accused his political rivals of being dishonest, alleging that some of them are known to instigate violence.
Peter Kuguru thanked the church for convening the peace meeting saying all church leaders have the responsibility to lead the church but accused some church leaders of supporting particular aspirants and parties.
Kenya's Cardinal Njue emphasises abstinence in war against HIV/AIDS
Dec 01, 2007
Kenya's newly installed Cardinal John Njue on Saturday emphasised abstinence as the best tool against HIV/AIDS as thousands gathered to mark the World AIDS Day celebrations.
(Panapress, 01/12/2007) Nairobi, Kenya - "There is no other way. We emphasise abstinence as we have always said," John Cardinal Njue, who was installed last Saturday as Kenya's second Cardinal, told journalists after celebrating his second mass as Cardinal at Kariobangi Catholic Church in Nairobi.
Kenya's HIV/AIDS prevalence went down to 5.1 per cent in 2006 from 5.9 per cent in 2005 although health analysts said the decline in the prevalence was not necessarily good news in the fight against the disease, pointing out it was a sign of more AIDS-related death.
Kenya's National AIDS Control Council (NACC) has stepped up the war against the scourge with a campaign aimed at encouraging the country's 38 million people to know their status.
NACC Director Alloys Orago said this week only two million Kenyans had taken an HIV/AIDS test. He said most people shied away from taking an HIV test because they feared stigma related to the disease.
In Kenya, the World AIDS Day was marked by public celebrations, speeches and an AIDS awareness marathon was convened in the western lake city of Kisumu to sensitise people against the dangers of the scourge.
The Kisumu 42 km and 21 km marathon was convened by the US funded Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which undertakes HIV/AIDS and malaria research in the area.
It's Song And Dance As Njue is Made Nation's Second Cardinal
Nov 27, 2007
Kenyans waving the national flag broke into dance and song on Saturday when the country got its second cardinal at a ceremony presided over by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi, 27 November 2007) The Kenyans, residents and students in Rome plus others who had travelled to the Holy See for the ceremony, sang John Cardinal Njue's favourite Swahili hymn, Ni Baraka kutoka kwa Mungu [It's God's blessing].
Njue was elevated to the College of the Cardinals close to five years since the death of the nation's first cardinal, Maurice Michael Otunga. He was formally inaugurated together with 22 other archbishops from around the world.
In the one-and-half hour colourful celebration, the Pope placed a red berretta (special red hat) on the new cardinals, replacing the purple one for every Catholic bishop.
In his homily to the over 8,000 faithful inside the basilica and over 30,000 following the proceedings from giant screens placed outside, the Pope congratulated the new Cardinals for being found worthy of the title and responsibility. He urged them to defend the faith even if it cost their lives.
The pontiff pointed out that creation of the new cardinals was as result of pastoral needs in the Church in all the five continents they represented.
Together with Cardinal Njue were also Cardinal Theodore Adrien Sarr, Archbishop of Dakar, Senegal, and Cardinal Emmanuel Delly III, Patriarch in Iraq. The pope paid great tribute to the patriarch and pledged his closeness and affection to Iraqis in their moments of pain. He prayed for lasting peace in that land.
On Sunday, the new cardinals were each given a ring by the Pope.
Njue, born in 1944 in Embu District in a family of twelve, was ordained a priest in 1973 at St Peter's Rome where he returned to be made a cardinal.
Present at the ceremony at the Basilica in Rome were many pilgrims from Kenya led by the Kenyan Ambassador to the Holy See, Raychelle A. Omamo, and the Kenyan Ambasador to Italy, Anne Belinda Nyikuli.
Cardinal-Elect Moves to New Station
Nov 01, 2007
Cardinal-elect John Njue received a rousing welcome from thousands of Catholics from the Nairobi Archdiocese as he arrived at his new station on Wednesday.
The Nation (Nairobi, 1 November 2007) The followers from 121 parishes and several chaplaincies, caused a traffic snarl-up on the Nyeri-Thika highway as they broke into song and dance to receive him.
Eager Christians and students from several Catholic Church-sponsored schools had arrived at the High Level flyover, five kilometres from Thika town, as early as 9 am and waited patiently for Cardinal Njue, who was travelling from Nyeri.
Police had a hectic time controlling traffic when he arrived two hours later in a convoy that caused a two-kilometre gridlock on the busy dual carriageway.
He was officially received by scores of priests led by assistant bishop David Kamau of Nairobi Archdiocese, which also encompasses Thika and Kiambu districts.
After a brief prayer session on the road, Cardinal Njue, who had arrived in a Peugeot 406 car, was ushered into a garlanded while Mercedes E230.
The convoy, which had now swelled, drove through Thika town to St Patrick's Parish, disrupting business.
Church leaders who welcomed the cardinal to Thika said they had much faith and confidence in his leadership, particularly during the electioneering period.
In his brief speech, the Cardinal-elect steered clear of politics only pledging to give his best in his new posting.
"I have been instructed by the Pope to leave Nyeri and come to serve in Nairobi and I will do the will of the Church, which is the will of God," he said.
He added: "Mine is to spread the teachings of Jesus and with your co-operation and that of the Church, in general, we will achieve a lot."
The Most Rev Njue, 63, was appointed the Archbishop of Nairobi by Pope Benedict on October 6, and later elevated to cardinal.
He was ordained as a priest in 1973 at the St Peter's Basilica, Rome. In 2002, he was appointed co-adjutor archbishop of Nyeri, a position he held until recently.
Nation is Excited At Appointment of New Cardinal
Oct 20, 2007
The elevation of Nairobi Catholic Archbishop John Njue to the dignity of cardinal is being celebrated here as a great honour not just to the Church but to the entire nation.
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi, 19 October 2007) - After the news broke Wednesday, radios, television stations and newspapers carried extensive reports of the appointment, including interviews with the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin.
Njue, president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference and until October 6 Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri, will be enthroned Archbishop of Nairobi Thursday, November 1.
President Mwai Kibaki was among those who saluted him. He said that by appointing Archbishop Njue cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI had expressed faith and confidence in his abilities.
"With your wealth of knowledge in divinities, your energy and drive and above all your faith in God, I am confident you are equal to the task," Kibaki said.
He acknowledged the remarkable service Archbishop Njue had rendered to Catholics and all Kenyans and reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening partnership with the Church.
"I and my wife Lucy support you with our prayers and wish you God's blessings as you embark on the momentous task of providing spiritual leadership to the Catholic faithful," the President said. The First Family is Catholic.
Kenya's largest-circulation newspaper, the Daily Nation, said, "The appointment by Pope Benedict is not just an honour for the Church, but for the whole country."
We Have A Cardinal!
Oct 18, 2007
The newly appointed Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, John Njue, will be made a cardinal, the Vatican announced today.
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi, 17 October 2007) - Archbishop Njue, 63, will be among 17 new Princes of the Church to be named by Pope Benedict XVI on November 24. His title becomes His Eminence.
Njue is the second cardinal in Kenya's history, after the late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga who was elevated to that rank by Pope Paul VI in 1973. Otunga died in 2003.
Njue will join the Sacred College of Cardinals, which assists the Holy Father in governing the universal Church. Cardinals below the age of 80 elect a new Pope.
According to a report by the Catholic News Agency, currently there are 105 cardinals under the age of 80 in the Sacred College of Cardinals, which leaves 15 vacancies to reach the normal total of 120.
This month the former Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano and American Cardinal Edmund Szoka will both turn 80, bringing the total number of open spots to 17.
Archbishop Njue was appointed head of Nairobi on October 6. Until then, he was Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri and chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC). He was also Apostolic Administrator of Murang'a Diocese.
Njue will be installed at the Holy Family Basilica on Thursday, November 1
Bishop Njue named cardinal
Oct 18, 2007
Barely two weeks after he was appointed the archbishop of Nairobi, John Njue has been appointed Cardinal of Kenya.
(kbc.co.ke, Oct 17, 2007) In a statement from the Apostolic Nunciature, His Holiness pope Benedict the 16th has appointed John Njue as a new cardinal and as member of the sacred college of cardinals.
According to the Catholic Church, the POPE is the only one with the power to appoint bishops and cardinals.
His Grace, the Most Reverend John Njue becomes the second cardinal of Kenya after the position fell vacant five years ago following the death of Maurice Otunga, the first Kenyan to become an archbishop and a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.
Njue was appointed the third Kenyan Archbishop of Nairobi early this month, after Ndingi and the late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga.
Otunga died on September 6, 2003, at the age of eighty, after serving the church for fifty-three years as a priest, a bishop, and a cardinal.
John Njue was born in 1944 at Kiriari in Embu and was baptized at Kevote Parish in 1948.
He started school in 1952 at the height of Kenya's war of Independence against British colonialism.
He rose through the ranks of father and in 1985, was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Nyeri on 9th Maarch 2002.
He is scheduled to be installed as Archbishop of Nairobi diocese on November 1st.
The Nunciature has also announced that his holiness the pope benedict the 16th will elevate John Njue as new cardinal and member of the Sacred College of cardinals on the 24th November in Nairobi.
Nairobi cardinal condemns pro-abortion legislation
Il Cardinale Njue avvia la mobilitazione dei cattolici per fermare l'aborto
Interview du cardinal John Njue