Three years ago, as Catholic faithful prepare for Lent-the religious observation of simple living, fasting, and prayers-many were also silently praying for retired Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki who was struggling with poor health and old age.
Catholics observe the 40-day Lent period which ushers in Easter, the most solemn holiday in the Christian calendar. Archbishop Ndingi would have taken an active role in Lent, but then aged 86, he was either in the wheelchair or in bed. He suffered memory and speech lapses.
Though weak in body, but strong in faith, the octogenarian routinely had visitors into his home most of them Catholic faithful and neighbors. Visiting hours were strictly between 10 am to the lunch hour.
Most of the visitations were dedicated to prayers and soothing hymns. Occasionally during such moments, Ndingi was usually jolted into faint motion as he struggles to connect with his guests.
Sometimes a feeble smile flashed across his face. He had lost the ability to talk but could still afford a mumble, intermittently pausing to utter phrases like “thank you”, “I know you” or “I am very happy”.
Sister Teresia took care of the retired archbishop and those who have visited the house say Sister Teresia’s ensured Ndingi was comfortable.
“She cleans and feeds the Archbishop as he can no longer do any task for himself,” said a source at the time.
Retired Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki in 2015.
Apart from Sister Teresia, two priests prayed for him in the morning and evening. His successor, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue-who prefers driving himself- occasionally visited Ndingi.
At the height of his active life, Ndingi was a leading voice on matters democracy, constantly pinpointing failures of leadership during the Kanu regime. He never tired from reminding Kenyans of the importance of participating in democratization through elections, lobbying or civil activism.
When the man of God was hale and hearty, he loved afternoon swims at his five bed-room Luna Gardens home in Lavington.
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Ndingi fell sick after retiring. He started experiencing gradually memory loss before the problem escalated to the current state.
Those who visited him said he is a strong-willed character despite his failing health, which sometimes required check-ups at a Catholic-run hospital in Nairobi.
RIP Ndingi.