The arrival of the first missionaries in the country is arguably one of the most fascinating stories told, written down in history books and passed down from one generation to another, a testament that history is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Central Kenya’s Tuthu village in Kangema constituency holds a profound historical significance as the place where the Consolata Missionaries established the first mission marking the dawn of Christianity in the greater central region and beyond.

Early on Friday morning, with the mist still hanging over the green hills of Kangema, KNA sets out on a journey to Tuthu to trace the footsteps of the first missionaries.

Journeying through the winding roads, we enjoy the picturesque highlands with the majestic Aberdare Ranges visible from a distance, as we make intermittent stops to capture the breath-taking site.

The lush vegetation and plantations of tea bushes carpet the landscape, a signature feature of the region’s rich agricultural economy.

The story of the arrival of the first missionaries is re-counted by 86-year-old Consolata priest – Fr Luigi Brambilla who despite his advanced age has a sharp memory and recounts with clarity the transformations that followed their arrival.

Having lived in the country for over five decades now, he is a living bridge between cultures and generations as thousands of Christians pilgrimage to Tuthu yearly to reflect, pray and learn about the lives of the early missionaries who with resilience, courage and zeal laid the foundation of the church in Kenya.

“Welcome to Tuthu. This is where the first mission was established by the Consolata Missionaries over a century ago,” he says in the local dialect – Kikuyu as he ushers us into the Tuthu Catholic Church compound.

Notably, his mastery of the Kikuyu language is remarkable, effortlessly, he weaves proverbs and traditional expressions into his speech to our amazement, better than the majority of the native speakers.

“This story cannot be told without honouring the pivotal role of the Paramount Chief Karuri Gakure, who with a visionary leadership mind extended an invitation to the Consolata missionaries and offered them land and protection in Tuthu,” he recalls. This catalysed the establishment of the first mission station in central Kenya

Its early 1900s and the construction of the railway line in Naivasha by Indian labourers brought in by the British colonial government was taking shape; but there was a challenge.

“The labourers lacked proper food despite the harsh working conditions and the physically demanding work of laying down the railway tracks through rugged terrain and as such, many would often fall ill and would be primarily treated by British colonial doctors,” he narrates.

Sensing both a humanitarian need and a business opportunity, the Paramount Chief Karuri Gakure stepped in and started organising the transportation of fresh supplies like grains and vegetables from Tuthu to Naivasha.

“In exchange, he would receive livestock, cows and goats significantly elevating his status and wealth becoming even more influential in the pre-colonial and early colonial period,” notes Fr Luigi.

And as he continued to interact with the missionaries, he was impressed by their teachings and medical care and desired the same for his people back in Tuthu.

Consequently, he would meet Fr Fillippo Perlo, one of the early Consolata Missionaries who had arrived in Nairobi Kenya from Italy around 1902.

“He extended an invitation for them to settle in his Tuthu territory and luckily, the missionaries who had experienced a hard time entering Ethiopia – where they had originally intended to go – redirected their efforts to Kenya,” he remembers.

Mons Allegeyer the Superior of the Holy Ghost Fathers agreed to start their first mission at Karuris place – Tuthu and the group of missionaries that had already arrived in Nairobi started their journey by train to Naivasha.

 “They then took the long treacherous trail through the largely uninhabited and forested Aberdare terrain arriving in Tuthu in June 1902 with the help of the Paramount Chief,” he says.

He assigned them a compound where a large mugumo tree stood and there, the first mass was celebrated on June 29, 1902 by Fatherr Fillipo Perlo, Father Tomasso and Brother Celeste Lusso and Luigi Falda

That mass celebration marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s religious history and the spread of Christianity thereafter. Around the chapel, the missionaries set up the first mission school, a church and a dispensary greatly transforming the local society.

Currently, at the place where the first mass was celebrated, stands a beautiful memorial chapel, a historic landmark and a constant reminder of endurance, sacrifice and zeal of the first pioneers.

The missionaries had designed a sawmill inside the forest, an ingenious structure at the time where they would mill and assemble the timber, mark it and transport it to set up new mission schools, churches and medical centres across the country.

The paramount chief who had already converted to Christianity having been baptized by the Consolata Missionaries he had welcomed died on May 16, 1916 and a memorial site at his grave site a few metres from the Memorial Chapel in Tuthu exists to date.

We also meet an octogenarian, Henry Kambi who says that he is a beneficiary of missionaries’ work in the region

“I was baptised at the age of seven days because my parents had already accepted Christianity and I have been living with this faith. Even now, my son and I are from a jumuiya (small Christian community) meeting for prayers where we meet every Friday from 8am to 10am,” he says.

Mzee is grateful for the missions set up in Tuthu, like schools, hospitals and churches making the area a cradle of faith.

He urges young people to learn from the missionaries and be resilient, dedicated and committed in offering service to others using their skills.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / by Florence Kinyua