Most Rev Raphael Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki, Emeritus Archbishop of Nairobi, makes history as he celebrates 50 years since his ordination.
Ndingi becomes the first bishop to celebrate the golden Jubilee in Kenya as records do not show any other having achieved the feat.
The retired bishop was ordained by the late Pope Paul VI in Uganda during the pontiff’s historic visit to Africa.
Since his appointment as Bishop of Machakos in 1969, the prelate remains one of the best known Church leaders in the nation.
His very appearance in a distinctive skullcap, given to him by Ethiopian friends, made him immediately recognisable.
Outspoken and a household name in his heyday, Archbishop Ndingi is the quintessence of a fearless leader.
He served in many roles and places first as the assistant priest at Makadara, Nairobi, Education Secretary-General of Catholic Bishops, Bishop of Machakos, then of Nakuru and finally the Archbishop of Nairobi.
He broke into the limelight when he opposed the Mlolongo voting system during the1988 general elections that forced voters to queue or line up behind their candidate.
His bold image was reinforced in 1992 when he risked his life by supporting the victims of tribal clashes in the Rift Valley.
Soon after priestly ordination, Father Ndingi was appointed Education Secretary for the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
His sterling performance in that post caught the eye of the Catholic bishops in the country who push for him to get the national education secretary post.
School principals who worked under him during his tenure were full of praises for his work ethic and dedication.
His motto as bishop declares in Kiswahili: Mwamini Mungu si Mtovu (One who believes in God lacks nothing). It probably captures best his fundamental option in life.
