AFRICA/KENYA - Kenya recalls much loved Cardinal Maurice Otunga emeritus Archbishop of Nairobi on the second anniversary of his death

Nairobi (Fides Service)- Kenya is remembering the much loved Cardinal Maurice Otunga, emeritus archbishop of Nairobi who died two years ago on 6 September 2003.
“His life was important not only for the Catholic Church in our country, it was significant for many people who were not Catholics” Fr Lawrence Njoroge and Fr Dominic Wamugunda wrote in a letter to CISA Catholic news agency in Nairobi. They also recall that recently leading members of other Christian confessions affirmed that the greatest legacy left by Cardinal Otunga was his moral teaching. “He was a profoundly religious leader whose moral authority transcended his person” the priests said.
Yesterday a Requiem Mass was celebrated in Nairobi Catholic Cathedral presided by the Papal Nuncio in Kenya Archbisop Alain Paul Lebeaupin and concelebrated by Archbishop John Njenga Emeritus of Mombasa, Bishop Joseph Mairura of Kisii, Bishop David Kamau and Bishop. Anthony Ireri, both auxiliaries of Nairobi,
With regard to petitions for the canonisation of Cardinale Otuga, the Nuncio said “the process has not been started. According to Canon Law five years must pass before the process can be started. To begin it earlier the Archbishop of Nairobi would need special authorisation from the Pope”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2005 righe 22 parole 243)