County welcomes thousands of visitors

Relatives of Sister Irene Stefani outside Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Cathedral in Nyeri. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The county government has made a provision of up to 10,000 parking lots which are within an 800m radius from the venue of the main ceremony set to take place at the Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology grounds.
• Those approaching the town from Nyahururu will be expected to park at Mweiga, those from Nanyuki will leave their cars at Chaka while those from Nairobi are expected to park at Kiganjo.
• British soldiers of the BATUK Division, who are based in Nanyuki, will carry the remains of Sister Irene to the resting place tomorrow, the last day of the  beatification ceremony.

By James Ngunjiri
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Saturday morning, Nyeri welcomes thousands of visitors from within and outside the country.

All is set for the beatification ceremony that has brought the town to a stand still.

The event that started Thursday ends tomorrow with the interment of the relics of Sister Irene Stefania at Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral.

Police officers, health personnel and a team of volunteers are expected  to be on standby to give guidance and ensure safety of thousands of pilgrims flocking Nyeri town.

More than  1,000 police officers will be deployed, with every county  in the central region sending 30 officers from each department comprising of Administration and Regular Police, General Service Unit, prison and the National Youth Service to boost security.

The county government has made a provision of up to 10,000 parking lots which are within an 800m radius from the venue of the main ceremony set to take place at the Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology grounds.

Those approaching the town from Nyahururu will be expected to park at Mweiga, those from Nanyuki will leave their cars at Chaka while those from Nairobi are expected to park at Kiganjo.

According to the county chief of staff, Mr Simon  Wachira, only essential services vehicles will be allowed at the university grounds. Transport Committee chair, Mr Gabriel Nderitu, said more than  200 taxis have been registered to operate.

British soldiers of the BATUK Division, who are based in Nanyuki, will carry the remains of Sister Irene to the resting place tomorrow, the last day of the  beatification ceremony.

Some 600 choir members drawn from 49 Catholic parishes in Nyeri are expected to sing during the mass that will be graced by among others, President Uhuru Kenyatta.