🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Kenyatta family's St. John the Baptist Chapel in Ichaweri honors Kenya's founding father
via Tuko2 min read
The St. John the Baptist Chapel, located in Ichaweri village, Gatundu South, Kiambu County, was built by the Kenyatta family to honor Kenya's founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her family completed the chapel, fulfilling a dream Mzee Jomo Kenyatta started in 1971 when he laid the foundation for a small chapel. The chapel features stained-glass windows, polished marble floors, and fine wooden finishes, creating a serene worship space. Its exterior includes elegant turrets and stonework. On December 16, 2023, Archbishop Philip Anyolo consecrated the new St. John the Baptist Chapel, with former president Uhuru Kenyatta and other family members present. A plaque at the church states that Mama Ngina Kenyatta built the chapel on the foundation laid by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1971. Another older plaque indicates that Jomo built the chapel in 1971, and it was consecrated in 1981 by Bishop John Njenga, with Daniel Arap Moi unveiling the commemorative plaque in August 1981. The chapel is the ninth church in the Archangel Mutomo Parish. The Kenyatta family estate in Ichaweri is a private, multi-house compound used for private gatherings, cultural events, and political meetings.
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The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for several counties, with intensified rainfall expected to peak between May 10 and May 13. The advisory covers parts of Nairobi, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, and Northwestern regions. Counties such as Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Nairobi, Turkana, Samburu, Kajiado, and Machakos are likely to be affected. Residents in areas near rivers, flood-prone zones, and hilly regions, especially around the Aberdare ranges and Mt Kenya, are advised to remain alert due to potential flash floods, poor visibility, and landslides. The department also cautioned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms. Although the intensity is expected to reduce from May 14, rains are likely to continue in several parts of the country. Kenya Met has reported improved forecast accuracy, attributing it to enhanced communication and early warning dissemination to institutions like The Presidency, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and the Kenya Red Cross, to improve disaster preparedness and response.
The Kenyatta family estate in Ichaweri, Gatundu South, Kiambu county, serves as a private and historically significant residence for Kenya's founding family. Far from State House, Nairobi, the estate is a personal sanctuary with robust protection. While public access is limited, accounts from visitors and historical records offer glimpses into the compound. The estate's origins trace back to Kenya's founding president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, with the original house reportedly built or rebuilt by colonial authorities upon his release from detention. Over decades, the family expanded the property into a multi-house compound with high perimeter walls, electric fencing, and guarded gates. Inside, descriptions mention manicured lawns and mature trees. A notable feature is the St. John the Baptist Chapel, established by former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta in tribute to Jomo. Consecrated in December 2023 by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the chapel is built on the site of a 1971 structure commissioned by Jomo Kenyatta and is known for its elegant woodwork and stained-glass windows. Security remains paramount, with private personnel and state support ensuring privacy. Mama Ngina receives state-provided security as part of retirement benefits, though this protection can be reduced or withdrawn during political disputes.
Evanson Njenga, the Kenyan businessman and founder of Central Farmers Garage CFG Ltd, an Isuzu dealer, has died at the age of 90. Njenga passed away on April 28 while receiving treatment at The Nairobi Hospital. He established CFG Ltd in 1982 in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, and grew it into a prominent body builder for buses across Kenya, with a significant presence in Nairobi, Bungoma, and Lodwar. The company is an appointed Isuzu East Africa Limited dealer, providing sales, genuine parts, mechanical services, and body building tailored for Kenyan conditions. Friends, colleagues, and the CFG fraternity have expressed deep condolences, remembering Njenga as a man of wisdom, humility, and impactful leadership. Friends and family are meeting at his Tigoni Residence in Limuru, with the burial planned for May 8 at the same location.
Authorities in Homa Bay have launched an investigation into the death of Wickliffe Omondi Dengu, a 24-year-old man who died while in police custody at Ngegu Police Station in Rangwe Sub-County. Dengu was arrested on Sunday, May 3, 2026, on suspicion of stock theft after a stolen cow was recovered with him driving it towards Kendu Bay. He was detained at Ngegu Police Station, and later that evening, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers discovered he had died in his cell. Preliminary findings suggest he allegedly hanged himself using a string tied to ventilation openings. The incident occurred shortly after his arrest, prompting questions about the circumstances of his death. The matter has been reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA, which has begun an independent investigation, and Dengu's family has been notified.