Confusion rocks preparations for Catholic nun beatification in Nyeri

Internal Security Secretary Joseph Irungu (left) study a design of a dais that will be constructed at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (Dekut) grounds for the beatification of Sister Irene Nyaatha Stefani, Thursday. Photo: JOB WERU/STANDARD

NYERI: Confusion rocked a Government team inspecting ongoing projects ahead of the beatification of Sister Irene "Nyaatha" Stefani in Nyeri on Wednesday after it was discovered that a trench had been dug at a site reserved for the main dais.

The team, led by Joseph Irungu, the secretary for internal security at the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government was shocked to find graders and earth movers on a mission to construct roads had already dug a trench about 20 metres from the area reserved for the dais.

Declaring the beatification a State event, the Government team said the trench would cut off the congregation from the main dais and ordered it levelled.

“We really doubt whether the planned construction of the road will be completed within the few remaining days. It is either we change the venue of the dais or seal off the already dug trench,” said Mr Irungu.

Irungu described the road project as a distortion to the venue for the beatification saying an urgent solution has to be found.

“This has destroyed everything. We have to be cautious to ensure everything is in order while we cannot trust the contractor to assure us that they will complete it before the beatification,” said Irungu.

The ceremony is set to be held at The Dedan Kimathi University between May 22 and 24.

Father Donatus Mathenge, a lecturer at the university who is also the Chairman of Sister Irene’s beatification publicity committee, had a hard time explaining to the officials why the institution decided to start the project that was marked for next year days before the beatification.

“The contractor has assured us that he will have filled the trench with murram and compacted them before May 23. The road will also ease movement of vehicles ferrying President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries to the dais,” said Father Mathenge.

DELIBERATIONS

The team had to deliberate for about 30 minutes before calling the institution’s Vice Chancellor Ndirangu Kioni to explain more.

Father Peter Githinji who is the co-ordinator of the beatification committee said changing the venue of the dais would require the Church to send the recommendations to Vatican approval.

Githinji and Mathenge said change of the venue can even prompt Vatican to postpone the beatification.

“We cannot risk to have it changed since the entire event can be called off and moved to a later date,” said Githinji.

Earlier in the day, the team met with Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua who assured that the ongoing construction of roads was successful, saying they will be complete before the scheduled day.

He said the Ministry of Energy, which had also sent representatives, will erect lighting in Nyeri Mukurweini towns.

“We do not want any hitch. We want the event to be as successful as planned,” said Mr Gachagua.

John Musonik, the Roads Principal Secretary, said Sh50 million roads will be constructed in Nyeri region to facilitate the beatification.

“We understand that there have been concerns over delay in completing road projects. But we want to assure you that they will be completed in time so as to ensure free flow of traffic and people,” said Mr Musonik.