Mzee Maruge Kimani, the 90-year old who earned his way into the Guinness Book of Records for being the oldest pupil has been re-born and has a new name.
As reported by The Standard, he was baptized by Father Maroko at Nairobi’s Kariobangi Catholic Church yesterday and was renamed Bro Stephen Maruge.
Confined into a wheelchair, the now frail class seven pupil, who is suffering from stomach cancer said he accepted salvation after reading the bible.
May God Bless you Brother Stephen Maruge...the priest seemes to say
“Mimi najitolea mbele ya Mungu na nitasoma bibilia mpaka mwisho wa dunia,” {I have committed my life to God. I will read the Bible till the end of the world}, said Maruge.
“When I was in hospital, I had a vision that I should tell all people to repent and come to church,” he said amid applause from the congregation.
Maruge hit world headlines in 2004 for being the oldest man in the world to begin school at the age of 84. His enrolment came at time when the Government introduced free primary education.
He wanted to learn how to count money, which he hopes to receive as compensation from the Government for fighting against the British colonialists. H had also yearned to read the bible for himself.
Accompanied by his third born son, James Maruge, other close relatives and housemates at his new home in Nairobi, Kimani was baptized amid pomp, colour and jubilation from the flock.
Speaking after the baptism, Maruge called on leaders to remain united, have faith in God and push forth the development agenda.
Maruge complained of stomach pains and inability to walk since he was diagnosed with the cancer,
His son said the Old man’s health has increasingly improved after undergoing operation at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Patrick Alushula
James Ratemo
marknamaswa2015
The Journalist's Diary-by Ratemo James 