Missionaries change lives in dry North

Relatives of Sister Irene Stefani: From left Gabriella Guerini, Patrizia Guerini and Stefania Guerini pose for a photo at the altar where the remains will be kept after beatification at Our Lady of Consolata Catholic Cathedral in Nyeri town. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The missionaries faced challenges because of insecurity owing to the colonial government’s exclusion of the region. 
• He accused the colonialists of meting injustice on the people of northern Kenya previously referred to as the Northern Frontier by ignoring the region.
• he diocese has also built a number of primary, secondary and nursery schools.

By KEN BETT 
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Abdi Nabosu, a resident of North Horr in Marsabit County, is among those from this far-flung region who will be attending the beatification ceremony.

Marsabit and the neighbouring counties of Isiolo and Samburu are strongholds of the Consolata Missionaries. The missionaries provide health, education, agriculture and other social services.

The missionaries first arrived in Marsabit in 1964. The first bishop was Mr Charles Cavallera.

Bishop (Rtd) Ambrose Ravasi, 86, of Marsabit Diocese, speaking in Maria Mfariji Shrine yesterday, told Saturday Nation that his predecessor set up hospitals, orphanages and schools to serve the people of the region. Bishop Ravasi said the missionaries’ entry point was the shrine built on top of Mt Marsabit.

Injustice

The building, he said, is a manifestation of God’s presence in Marsabit. The missionaries faced challenges because of insecurity owing to the colonial government’s exclusion of the region. 

He accused the colonialists of meting injustice on the people of northern Kenya previously referred to as the Northern Frontier by ignoring the region.

The mission has built 15 dispensaries and three hospitals in Marsabit region. 

They include Sololo, Laisamis and Wamba.  The later located in Samburu County is now under the management of the Catholic Diocese of Isiolo. The diocese has also built a number of primary, secondary and nursery schools.