By Rose Achiego
The Government of Kenya through Nairobi County has named one of the Nairobi streets after the Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga in cognisance of virtues that he stood for.
Speaking during the unveiling of Cardinal Otunga Road near the Holy Family Minor Basilica adjacent to City Hall Annex, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue thanked the County Government of Nairobi under the leadership of the Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero for naming a section of the street after the Servant of God, saying he is a moral icon worth of the honour.
“May the street prompt us to emulate Cardinal Otunga’s exemplary life of prayerfulness and humility, may his intercession merit the city of Nairobi and the entire country, God’s protection and abundant blessing. Cardinal Otunga will continue to speak to the people of Nairobi and to all Kenyans through his great virtues of courage, good cheer, care and concern for others.” Cardinal Njue Said.
His Eminence prayed for all Kenyan leaders to shun tribalism and racism and to bring unity in the country in order to leave a meaningful heritage for the generations to come just as Cardinal Otunga who stood for honesty, simplicity and care for the less fortunate in the society.
The Governor of Nairobi County said his office recognized the Servant of God as a spiritual hero since he left the World a better place than he found it and the least they could do was to name a street after him.
Kidero called on leaders to be caring and just, as Cardinal Otunga, adding that, such deeds would bring prosperity for the nation. He condemned acts of bribery and corruption among some leaders whom he said destroys the Country.
Echoing Cardinal Njues sentiments, the Governor called on Kenyans to be united before and after elections as the country prepares for the next general elections in August 2017. “We are Kenyans after election, but before the elections, we retreat to tribal cocoons. Do not let elections divide us. Be one.” He said
Cardinal Otunga died on 6 September 2003 at the age of 80 having served the Catholic Church for over fifty years. His beatification cause begun in 2009 and the informative process at the diocesan level was concluded and the results were communicated to the congregation of the courses of the saints in Rome.