Retired Archbishop David Gitari managed both cleric, activism roles with rare passion

ACK Archbishop David Gitari addresses Kenyans during Karura Forest prayers at Uhuru Park in 1999. Gitari with former Premier Raila Odinga at the Kisumu airport in 2000. Gitari performs his clerical duties in 2002. [PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]

By FRANCIS NGIGE and MUNENE KAMAU

KENYA: Passing away just 14 days after celebrating his 76th birthday, the Anglican Church of Kenya’s retired Archbishop David Gitari can be said to have gone through the evangelical cycle: From a young priest to a firebrand preacher who shook the government of the day, to eventually head the church and engage in vibrant civil rights activism.