30 Kenyans on a mission to plant the Bible on Mt Kenya’s Lenana peak

Harsh climate

“At the peak of Mt Kenya we have the flag and the Constitution, but one thing has been lacking, the Bible. So we thought since we are a predominantly Christian nation, it would be of great significance to have the Bible next to the two items. We want to communicate that God reigns from the mountains,” said David ole Tetu, the team leader.

The Jubilee Bible is placed in a Perspex cage, which can withstand harsh climatic conditions and rough handling. The Bible in the cage is opened to display the book of Mathew Chapter Six.

The Lord’s Prayer as taught by Jesus Christ in Mathew 6:9-13 is highlighted in green.

Part of the highlighted text reads: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Different churches

“By planting the Bible on top of Mt Kenya those who climb it will be encouraged by the word of God by reading through Mathew Chapter 6 because it is a chapter that encourages people. This event is also significant not only because we are celebrating 50 years since independence but more so because we will let the world know that Kenya is a God-fearing country,” said Caroline Muchiri the deputy team leader.

She was the only woman among those who reached the Lenana Peak to hoist the new Constitution.

The team of 30 young men and women from different churches will be climbing Mt Kenya to place the Bible on Lenana peak next to the flag and the New Constitution.

The Bible will be mounted at the peak at exactly the same time President Uhuru will be reading his speech during today’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.

A copy of the Bible is available in leading bookshops countrywide and comes in two versions: Good News Version and English Standard Version to cater for the younger and older generations at Sh812 and Sh1,160, respectively.

The Bible Society of Kenya (BSK) launched the Bible in September to celebrate 50 years of God’s favour and prosperity.

BSK secretary general Mrs Elizabeth Muriuki said that there’s need to celebrate the Jubilee year as per God’s command to the Israelites in Leviticus 25.

The idea to have a Jubilee Bible was incepted in 2010 but it was not until 2012 that the actual preparations kicked off.

Captivating look

“We decided to have a Bible to commemorate our 50th birthday since the Jubilee year is Biblical and it is a command from God. Also a number of countries have actually designed a Bible specifically for such an occasion and so we decided to have one in Kenya. That is how the Jubilee Bible was born,” said Muriuki.

The Bible comes in a patriotic Kenyan flag cover made of vinyl.

Originally the cover was designed to be used by President Uhuru Kenyatta during his inauguration but he opted to use the Bible his father swore on when he took over from the colonial masters.

At the bottom of the front cover the number 50 and the year Kenya was born is written in gold and also its edges are gold in colour to symbolise the Golden Jubilee.

The combination of the traditional Maasai shield, the colours black, white, green, red and gold give the Holy book a captivating look.