Waqo death

A tribute to Bishop William Waqo

In a rare gesture of love and bravery, the late Bishop William Waqo
apparently removed and threw his wedding ring inscribed underneath with his
wife's names "Naomi Waqo", before he died in the Marsabit plane crash.

Later a Muslim youth found the ring at the scene of the crash, saw the names
and started looking for Rev. Naomi Waqo everywhere until he personally
handed it over to her.

An elated Rev. Naomi confirmed the incident saying she could not believe her
eyes when she received her husband's ring.

Rev. Naomi, her four children, friends and relatives were among Kenyans from
all walks of life who attended a memorial service to celebrate the life of
her husband at the All Saints Cathedral on April 21st 2006. The late Bishop
was buried in Marsabit on April 12th 2006, two days after the crash.

The memorial service was attended by 20 Bishops from the Anglican Church led
by Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.

In a special dedication to her husband Rev. Naomi said "You were not only my
dearest husband but also a committed servant of the Lord and to us all.
Your caring love and faithfulness are virtues beyond compare. You fully
shared your life and enriched us in every way, even bringing us to the
fullest measure of family fulfilment.

Your patience, wisdom and tender care embraced every good thing that made
for the fullness of life, for this you will always be remembered. You had
left the light of Christ shine through you and managed to light the path for
many. Your ministry was a great blessing to many both from within and
outside the church. Good night Gutho, we shall meet at the Lord's feet in
his own time".

Bishop Waqo was among 14 people who died while on a peace mission to
Northern Kenya to bring together major ethnic group involved in inter-clan
clashes over cattle-rustling which has claimed many lives of people in the
past.

Speaker after speaker described the late Waqo, 44 as a peace-maker, a humble
hard working and committed Christian, a firm and efficient administrator, a
model father, ardent supporter of ecumenical cooperation, a beacon and
selfless friend.

Bishop Waqo was the Provincial Secretary of the Church and a personal
assistant to the Archbishop.

As the congregation sung "When peace, like a river attended my way ... It
is well with my soul" and "Guide me oh thou Great Jehovah" calm descended on
the church as all were united in their love for Bishop Waqo.

May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

LET US PRAY

Kenyans countrywide held inter-denominational prayers to seek God's
intervention on various sad events afflicting the nation and the recent
death of 14 people in the Marsabit place crash.

In declaring Friday April 21st 2006 a public holiday and a national day of
prayer, the government said there was need for the country to come together
in prayer and reflection.

President Mwai Kibaki his wife Lucy and several ministers attended the
prayers at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). He was
invited by Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi to address the nation.

Archbishop Nzimbi who had earlier officiated at Bishop Waqo's memorial
service at All Saints Cathedral, prayed for the government, the cabinet
members of parliament and other leaders.

(information from the ACK website - www.ackenya.org/)
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Dear Friend, Partners, Bishops and the entire Anglican fraternity,