Ruto mourns death of retired Kenyan Bishop who succumbed to Coronavirus

Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday mourned the demise of Silas Silvius Njiru, retired Bishop of Meru Diocese.

Bishop Njiru succumbed to Coronavirus while undergoing treatment in Italy on Tuesday.

The DP described Bishop Emeritus Njiru as a gracious man who positively influenced the lives of many during his tenure.

“We are devastated by the death of Silas Silvius Njiru, the Retired Catholic Bishop of the Meru Diocese.

“He was tender-hearted and gracious man with steadfast religious credence, which he instilled to many,” said Ruto.

The late Njiru was born on October 10, 1928, in Embu County and was ordained as a priest in 1955.

He was later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Meru before he was confirmed as bishop on December 9, 1976.

After his retirement, Njiru relocated to Italy and had been residing at the Blessed Joseph Allamano house in Alpignano, Turin Italy, prior to his demise.

According to a statement issued by Fr Pedro da Silva Louro, IMC, Secretary-General, Njiru died at the Rivoli Hospital just a few days after he tested positive for Coronavirus.

“On April 25, 2020, he (Njiru) was taken to Rivoli hospital, due to Covid-19 infection, where he passed away on April 28, 2020, at 00:30 hours. Let us pray for his eternal rest," wrote Fr Pedro.

Current Meru Bishop Salesius Mugambi on Tuesday wrote to the Superior General, Consolata Missionaries, Italy, giving them the go-ahead to organize for Njiru’s burial at their cemetery.

“Thank you very much for the care you have given to bishop Silas since he came to Italy after his retirement,” wrote Mugambi.