In the quiet St Stephen Karati chapel priests gathered yesterday to mourn the sudden loss of their Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ashindu, who tragically fell victim to a road crash, just four months after getting ordained.

And as the world marks day of remembrance for road traffic victims, Fr. Kambale Kitambake reminisces over the time he spent with his colleague and friend Fr. Gabriel.

“I am still trying to come to terms with the death of Fr. Gabriel. His death has left a huge hole that is going to take me a very long time to fill,” he says.

Fr. Kitambaka shares anecdotes of the departed priest as he acknowledges the tales of his kindness and the profound impact he had on each of the clergy’s lives.

Amidst the grieving, emerges a collective realization that their beloved Fr. Gabriel’s life had been cut short by a tragic road accident.

“On November 7, the day of the accident, the priest was travelling from Western to go see one of his congregation members in Kiambu who was ill. Unfortunately he met his death,” Fr. Kitambaka expresses.

The Priest states how it is so unfortunate the father had to meet his demise from his selfless act.

Fr Kitambaka notes “I highly believe its exhaustion that resulted to him ramming into a matatu at Kinungi , as Fr. Gabriel was always up and down and never had enough rest.”

The priest speaking in compassion states that he among other priests are vowing to carry forward the teachings of the departed father, who had just had a luncheon with them, a week before.

“Emotionally I am not okay, but thanks to the people who call in to offer me a word of hope. With time, everything will get easy but in my heart I have released his soul to rest in peace,” he mourns.

Fr. Kitambara highlights that currently all the work he used to do with Fr. Gabriel now falls squarely on him alone.

However he is hopeful that the congregation will ordain another helper for him.

The priest concludes “the legacy of the always jovial father will live on, not just in the hallowed halls of the monastery but in the lives of those touched by the message of safety and remembrance."

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Nakuru clergy mourn Fr. Gabriel Ashindu who passed on in Kinungi road crash

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