CELEBRATING THE 23RD DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF CARDINAL MAURICE MICHAEL OTUNGA
The 23rd death anniversary of the Servant of God, Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga, was commemorated at the Resurrection Garden, bringing together clergy and faithful to honour the life and legacy of Kenya’s first Cardinal.
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Nairobi, Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, and concelebrated by Bishop Alfred Rotich of the Catholic Diocese of Kericho, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, alongside priests and the lay faithful.
In his address, Archbishop Anyolo challenged Christians to allow Cardinal Otunga’s life to question and shape their own lives.
“We gather together not simply to remember a distinguished churchman but to give thanks to God for a life received as a gift, offered in service and surrendered faithfully to God,” Archbishop Anyolo said.
He asked Christians to consider what Cardinal Otunga’s witness demands of them today, noting that his journey from priesthood to episcopacy and ultimately the College of Cardinals never changed his fundamental orientation as a servant of God.
Beyond the pastoral reflections, Cardinal Otunga’s life occupies a distinct place in the history of the Catholic Church in Kenya. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1956 before becoming Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Kisii in 1960. In 1969, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Nairobi, and in 1971 he succeeded as Archbishop of Nairobi. He served in that role until his retirement in 1997. His elevation to the College of Cardinals in 1973 made him Kenya’s first Cardinal and placed him among the most significant figures in the history of the local Church.
Cardinal Otunga died on 6 September 2003 at the age of 80. He is buried at the Resurrection Garden, a place he had himself helped establish as a centre of prayer and reflection. The cause for his canonization is ongoing and is currently in the Roman phase, as highlighted by Fr. Prof. Lawrence Njoroge, who serves as Vice Postulator of the cause.
