No-nonsense Fr Christopher Wanyonyi of Christ the King Cathedral in Bungoma town is dead.
He died from Covid-19 related complications at a hospital in Eldoret on Sunday night. Wanyonyi died at the age of 63.
Acting Bungoma diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi said Wanyonyi was admitted to hospital on July 1 with respiratory complications
He was initially admitted to the ICU at a Kakamega hospital and later at Bungoma West Hospital in Kanduyi.
He was later transferred to a hospital in Eldoret after his health deteriorated.
“I have the sad duty of informing you of the passing on of Fr Christopher Wanyonyi which occurred last night shortly before midnight in Eldoret,” he said.
Obanyi said details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated later.
According to one of the priests, who did not want to be named, Wanyonyi was taken to the hospital in Eldoret town after his health took a turn for the worse.
"He was in HDU at Bungoma West Hospital and was recuperating well, but his health changed suddenly. We rushed him to Eldoret, but we just lost him. It is a sad day," the priest said.
Wanyonyi was very instrumental during the construction of the Christ the King Cathedral that cost Sh100 million.
He also helped set up Christ the King Academy and was key in negotiating peace among politicians.
Wanyonyi was among religious leaders in Bungoma who always condemned bad behaviour and would tell off people who misbehaved in public.
Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, in his condolence message, said, "I have learnt with extreme shock and devastation the passing on of Fr Wanyonyi. He was an icon, a dedicated servant of God, an astute administrator and a firm leader who spoke truth to power."
He said he will remember Wanyonyi as a firm, no-nonsense priest who never hesitated to confront the ills in society and called out leaders to level up to their roles.
"While he served as a priest, Fr Wanyonyi expended all his energies to champion the education of our children. That Christ the King school is one of the best schools in the country speaks of Fr Wanyonyi not just as an administrator, but also as a consummate educationist at heart," Wangamati said.
The county chief said through his vast network, Wanyonyi sponsored the education of hundreds of Bungoma children from primary school through high school up to university.
"As a manager, he mobilised funds and supervised the construction of several churches in Bungoma, among them Christ the King Cathedral, which opened in May this year," Wangamati said.
"I mourn a friend. I mourn a compass I would look at to know how best to serve the people of Bungoma. I mourn a servant of God by whose prayers and counsel I am who I am today."
Wangamati said Bungoma has lost a fearless leader, a father figure to many in the church and beyond, a man dedicated and committed to serving God.
Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga said,"Fr Wanyonyi was a very passionate, dedicated and a no-nonsense servant of God. He was one of the best priests Bungoma diocese ever had."
"Being a strict disciplinarian, he was an inspiration and mentor to many children, especially those that schooled at Christ the King Academy."
Ndivisi MCA Martin Wanyonyi said the cleric was a true faith leader whose sermons were authentic, targeted, rich and thought-provoking.
"He was a dedicated Samaritan and industrious figure who zealously offered divine counsel to the community. Past the pulpit, he uplifted the lives of the vulnerable," he said.
"Our thoughts are with the family, their loved ones and the Catholic Church fraternity during this painful time. Rest in peace papa."
Edited by A.N
