Maruge now reborn and given new name

By James Ratemo and Fatuma Fugicha

Mr Maruge Kimani, the 90-year-old who earned his way into the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pupil, has been re-born and has a new name.

Maruge was baptised by Father Maroko at Nairobi’s Kariobangi Catholic Church yesterday and renamed Brother Stephen Maruge.

Confined to a wheelchair, the now frail Standard Seven pupil, who is suffering from stomach cancer said he accepted salvation after reading the Bible.

"Mimi najitolea mbele ya Mungu na nitasoma Bibilia mpaka mwisho wa dunia,

(I have committed my life to God. I will read the Bible till the end of the world)," said Maruge.

"When I was in hospital, I had a vision that I should tell all people to repent and come to church," he said amid applause from the congregation.

　

Count money

Maruge hit world headlines in 2004 for being the oldest man in the world to begin school at the age of 84. This was after the Government introduced free primary education.

He wanted to learn how to count money, which he hopes to receive as compensation from the Government for fighting against the British colonialists. He had also yearned to read the Bible.

Accompanied by his third born son, James, and other relatives and housemates at his new home in Nairobi, Maruge was baptised amid pomp, colour and jubilation among the worshippers.

Speaking after the baptism, Maruge called on leaders to remain united, have faith in God and push development agenda.

He, however, complained of stomach pains and inability to walk since he was diagnosed with cancer.

His son, however, said the old man’s health has increasingly improved after an operation at the Kenyatta National Hospital.