‘By P. Sarojini’
NYERI, Kenya (CWBN)_ Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria was tested positive for coronavirus yesterday (Nov 17). He was also chair of the Interfaith Council on the National Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Archbishop Muheria was immediately admitted at Mater Hospital in Nairobi County. He wrote a message to the church explaining his health condition. He thanked the people for their love and prayers. He wrote:
“Dear fathers, religious leaders and faithful of the Nyeri Archdiocese,
Thank you very much for your continued prayers [while] I am admitted with Covid-19. God has shown me his love and your love and prayers sent and promised, for me and many other patients in various hospitals and homes.
I plead with you to continue praying for all our brothers and sisters who may be going through a difficult time. Thank you once more.
I have improved slightly and can now eat and sleep well. However, I am still on oxygen [support] as they continue treating me.
I remember you all in prayer, whenever I can say my rosaries and other silent prayers in my state.
Finally, please become ambassadors of compliance in our homes, meetings and funerals. Let us lead the way of responsibility.
I send you all my blessings from Mater.
God bless you all.”
The sources close to the Catholic Church informed that Archbishop Muheria was ill for the last few weeks. He also engaged himself in promoting safety guidelines after the phased reopening of worship centers across the country. The sources also confirmed that Archbishop Muheria made his last public appearance in an ordination eleven days ago at the Giakabei parish in Mathira East Sub-County. He also presided over the ordination of Father Paul Mburu on November 8, which was also attended by many other priests. Following this, Father Mburu was also self-quarantined.
It was informed by Mathira East health officer Patrick Mbugua that another local priest also contracted the virus and was isolated. He said that the church where the ceremony took place was not closed for most of the people tested negative after a mass testing by public health officials. He said “We have [fumigated] the church compound and are still monitoring the situation”. Some residents also conveyed that coronavirus pandemic has hit the rural parts of Nyeri County. Margaret Wakini said “Most of us are now living in fear of contracting the disease. I did not believe in its existence. I was misled by people saying it was a ploy by the government to source money from donors. When I heard my priest had contracted it, I realized it is real”. Chief William Kihu said that he already started educating the people about the disease.
Edited by Elishya Perera
