Retired Catholic Archbishop Boniface Lele, 66, dies of cardiac arrest

Retired Mombasa Archbishop Boniface Lele. He died Wednesday after suffering cardiac arrest. (Photo:File/Standard)

By Benard Sanga and Ernest Ndunda

Mombasa, Kenya: The Catholic Church in the country was Wednesday mourning the death of retired Mombasa Archbishop Boniface Lele, a key figure in the fight against religious fundamentalism in the Coast region.

Lele, 66, the immediate former chairman of the interfaith Commission died at Mombasa hospital Wednesday where he was admitted on Friday, April 4 due to low blood pressure.

Reports indicate that Lele died of cardiac arrest and has been on life support machine since his admission.

The Head of Catholic Church in Kenya Cardinal John Njue mourned the death of Lele describing it as a major loss for the church.

“It is quiet a loss for the church as he had done so much work in Kitui and lately in Mombasa where he was the bishop. I remember him for his simplicity which was very impressive,” added the Cardinal.

The cardinal further noted that even though Lele had already retired, his death was not being taken lightly within the church and appealed to Christians to pray for his departed soul.

Njue said he had been informed of his death Wednesday evening by the current administrator of the Mombasa Archdiocese who is also Malindi Bishop Emmanuel Barbara.

In Mombasa priests, nuns and faithful gathered at Pandya Memorial Hospital for prayers where Lele’s body was preserved.

“It is with humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the death of Archbishop Emeritus Boniface Lele at 1.30 pm today in Mombasa hospital,” added a statement from Mombasa Vicar General Father, Wilybard Lagho.

Lagho said Lele, who resigned as the Archbishop of Mombasa on November 1 last year due to ill health, was hospitalized last Friday at the Mombasa hospital due to low blood pressure.

Reports indicate that Lele was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since Friday and Catholics urged to pray for him after his health deteriorated.

Hospital sources on Monday confirmed to The Standard that Lele had suffered cardiac arrest.

Wednesday several leaders sent their message of condolence praising the priest as “a humble man who served all regardless of their religion.”

“He worked hard and kept the faith despite his health failing. He was a revered religious leader and may the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace,” read a condolence message sent to newsroom by former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth.

Wednesday Lagho announced that the late Archibishop will be laid to rest within the compound of Mombasa cathedral on a date to be set Thursday.

“Since he was a teacher at St Thomas Aquinas seminary in Langat where he taught Spiritual Philosophy we expect very many priests who were taught by him so the date will be arrived after some consultations,” Lagho added. He lectured at the seminary between 1983 and 1986.