Fr Filipe becomes Kenyan citizen

Archbishop Emeritus Peter Kairu with Italian priest Romano Fillipe at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nairutia Nyeri county. [Jacinta Mutura, Standard]

"This is indeed the day that the Lord has made. I will always love you. You are my family and that is all I need until the day I die." 

Those were the words of Italian Catholic Priest Romano Filipe, as he received an important document that he had waited to acquire for half a century.

On Sunday Interior and National Co-ordination ministry, through Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, presented Filipe with Kenyan citizenship at a colourful ceremony at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nyeri County.

The day was more special for the priest as he received the citizenship during his 50 years' anniversary of serving God and humanity in different parishes in Kieni Constituency. The function was presided over by Archbishop emeritus Peter Kairu.

Mr Kagwe said the decision was reached after tremendous works of humanity done by Romano, popularly referred to as Muriithi, a Kikuyu name that translates to a shepherd. "Your transformational work is commendable. You can now apply for your national identity card without any hindrance,” Kagwe told the priest.

Romano has served for 33 years now, after he was transferred from Narumoru Parish, where he served for 17 years.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega appealed for rewarding of Romano with Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear medal, citing his tremendous track record of transforming the area in education, sanitation and health sectors. 

Kagwe was accompanied by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and MCAs. "I wish to thank Fr Romano for helping people who are not even related to him," said Kahiga.