The Shepherds of Kenya: Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga, John Cardinal Njue and Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki

Authors

Ndikaru Wa Teresia

Synopsis

Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga, John Cardinal Njue and Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki significantly impacted the Catholic Church in Kenya through their leadership and dedication to pastoral care and social justice. Cardinal Otunga, known for his humility and commitment to the poor, defended human rights and education, shaping Kenya's moral and ethical landscape. Cardinal Njue focused on pastoral care, youth empowerment, and interfaith dialogue, promoting peace and unity. Archbishop Ndingi was known for his strong advocacy for social justice and his fearless opposition to political corruption in Kenya. He stood against the Moi government's policies, especially advocating for democracy and helping victims of political violence. Ndingi's dedication to the poor and marginalized left a lasting impact, marking him as a pivotal figure in the fight for justice and human rights in Kenya. Their legacies reflect an unfathomable commitment to faith, service, and the betterment of Kenyan society, inspiring future generations.

The book provides guidance and inspiration for people of good faith, promoting integrity, empathy, and social responsibility. The book encourages interfaith collaboration, respect, and dialogue to address societal issues, equipping readers with moral and ethical foundations for leading with integrity and compassion, essential for building a just and inclusive society.

Rev. Fr. Prof. Ndikaru wa Teresia is a well-known activist on environment and human rights issues in Kenya. He has made remarkable contribution to the rights of the oppressed people in Thika, Kenya. On September 14,1992 he led a mass demonstration of hundreds of people against KEL Factory which produced chemicals which were affecting people in Thika. He is a professor of criminology in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, Department of Liberal Development and International Studies, and the Catholic Chaplain at The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi.

Fr. Ndikaru was born in Kamirithiu Village, Limuru, Kiambu, Kenya. He was educated at Kamandura Lower Primary School, Limuru-Kenya, Kigumba Intermediary Primary School, and Kihura Catholic Upper Primary School in Kigumba, Masindi-Uganda. He attended Queen of Apostles Seminary, Nairobi, for "O" and "A" levels. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome-Italy, Master's degree in Disaster Management from University of Nairobi, and PhD in Criminology from Kenyatta University.

He is the Founder and Administrator of St Matia Mulumba Mission Hospital in Thika and Administrator of KENGO/St Mulumba Environment Quality Assessment, which assessed environment pollution in Thika. Fr. Ndikaru is a prolific writer with several books to his name. He has authored Introduction to Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation, Disaster Management, Research Methodology Volume 1 and 11, Crime Differentials in Nairobi Metropolitan Slum Areas, Introduction to Penology, Cry of the Oppressed, Introduction to Victimology, Pollution and Urban Life in Kenya, The Slums Juvenile Delinquency in Kenya, Introduction to Criminology, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism. He also co-authored with Waithaka Waihenya the book 'A Voice Unstilled; Archbishop Ndingi Mwana'a'Nzeki.'

Fr. Ndikaru was for many years the editor of "Mwananchi Magazine", owned and published by Kenya Episcopal Conference, "The Voice Newsletter", published by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, "Thika Ecumenical Newsletter", which was owned and published by Anglican Church of Kenya, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa and Catholic Church in Thika. He is widely published in reputable international peer-reviewed journals.

Utafiti Academic Press

Published

2026