Governor Wavinya Ndeti has joined Catholic faithful, clergy and bereaved families at Katoloni Seminary in Machakos County for a Requiem Mass in honour of the late Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo and Rev. Fr. Paul Kinyumu.Ndeti attended the Wednesday afternoon service as the Catholic Diocese of Machakos continues to mourn the two priests, whose deaths were reported on the same day in separate incidents.
The loss has triggered an outpouring of grief among parishioners and residents across the region
In a message shared during the mourning period, the governor said she stood with the families of the deceased, the Catholic Church and the faithful as they celebrated the priests’ lives and service.
“We mourn with their families, the Catholic Church and the faithful, even as we give thanks for their lives of faith, love and selfless service,” Ndeti said.
She also offered prayers for the departed priests, asking that their souls rest in eternal peace.
The deaths have brought attention to the contribution of the two clergymen to Catholic community in Machakos.
Reports indicate that both priests served within the Diocese of Machakos and were remembered for their pastoral work and commitment to the faithful.Records from the Kenya Gazette also list Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo Nzioki and Rev. Fr. Paul Kingoo Kinyumu among clergy associated with the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
The Requiem Mass at Katoloni Seminary provides an opportunity for relatives, fellow clergy, church members, local leaders, friends to come together in remembrance.
As preparations continue to honour the two priests, the Diocese of Machakos is expected to maintain pastoral activities while guiding faithful through period of mourning.