Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has effectively articulated the voice of the academia regarding peace and building bridges among the people of Kenya. Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito L. Muchanga recently launched a book dubbed ‘Peace building in Kenya.’ Fr. Kizito who is a lecturer in the School of Arts and Social Sciences as well as the MMUST Chaplain has set a record to be emulated by other scholars through his book which stresses on inclusivity and the role of the Catholic Church in creating a culture of peace.
The book on peace building was officially launched in a grand event on 8th February, 2020 at MMUST. The launch was graced by the MMUST Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Asenath Sigot who was the chief guest. Other scholars who graced the occasion included the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Research and Innovation Prof. Charles Mutai, the professor of Education Prof. John Shiundu, the Registrar Academics Prof. Thomas Sakwa and Prof. Kasiera. This important book launch brought together the family of the author Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito, scholars from the region, university staff and students. St. Peters Boys Mumias entertained the audience with their engaging band that left all participants lively and in good spirits.
Every speaker that took to the podium lauded the man of the day Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito for his great work and for the sacrifices he made to ensure that he conveys a message of peace to the people of Kenya. Speaking during the launch, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sigot expressed her gratitude to Fr. Kizito for putting the University in the limelight as one of the academic institutions with great scholars and peace ambassadors. She challenged other members of the academia to emulate the work done by Dr. Kizito. “We have a role to play in peace building therefore this should be a collective responsibility to all of us,” said Prof. Asenath Sigot.
The book has ten interrelated chapters that outline the role of the Catholic Church in peace building in our nation, concepts of peace building, peace building strategies employed by the Catholic church, challenges that Kenya is facing as a result of the 2007 post elections violence as well as the recommendations scholars can adopt to promote peace in our country.
“The publishing of this book was ideally from a clergy perspective and the 2007 post elections violence experience thus it has no correlations with the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) debate which is currently rocking our country. I burnt the mid night oil to ensure this becomes a reality because it is said that, the world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but with those who watch them do,” said Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito.
At a time when our Nation is healing from the 2007 post elections violence and working on building the bridges between the tribes of Kenya, this book is ‘A must add on your library’ to all of us that desire to have a peaceful nation. In deed Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito has made an immense contribution to the social construction of our country. He is a renowned researcher who has authored several articles. He is very instrumental to the University as he carries out multiple roles as a lecturer, counsellor and chaplain. Rev. Dr. Fr. Kizito initiated the chaplaincy and is a mentor to numerous students.
By Linet Owuor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
