Cardinal Otunga Remembered as a National and Church Hero for His Legacy of Faith, Education and Service
By Stephen Mbobu, Coordinator, Communications (PR & Marketing)
The Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga has been celebrated as a hero whose legacy of faith, humility, education and service continues to inspire generations in Kenya and across the universal Church.
Speaking at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on 12 November 2026, Fr. Peter Kaigua Ngugi, Chaplain at the University of Nairobi and Chairman of the Central Committee overseeing Cardinal Otunga’s Beatification Process, described the late Cardinal as a spiritual hero whose life was dedicated to fighting ignorance, promoting education and serving the people of God.
In his address, titled “The Servant of God Maurice Michael Otunga: A Shujaa in Kenya and the Universal Church,” Fr. Kaigua challenged the conventional understanding of national heroes, noting that heroism extends beyond sports, political liberation, economic achievements and academic excellence to include people whose faith and service transform society.
Drawing parallels with renowned Christian leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Martin Luther King Jr., he argued that Cardinal Otunga deserves recognition as a Kenyan Shujaa for his contribution to the Church and society.
A Legacy Reflected in His Names
Fr. Kaigua explored the significance of Cardinal Otunga’s names, showing how they reflected different dimensions of his character and vocation.
Born in January 1923 to Chief Sudi Namachanja and Rosa Namisi, he was initially named Simiyu, reflecting the dry season in which he was born, according to Bukusu tradition.
His father later named him Otunga, meaning “a staff that supports the weak,” expressing his hope that his son would grow into a strong and dependable person.
At baptism in 1935, he received the name Maurice, after St. Maurice, a third-century Christian soldier who chose faith over imperial commands and was martyred alongside his fellow soldiers for refusing to abandon Christianity.
During Confirmation in 1939, he took the name Michael, after St. Michael the Archangel, traditionally portrayed as a spiritual warrior against evil.
Fr. Kaigua interpreted the two Christian names as symbols of courage, spiritual strength and unwavering commitment to serving God. He described Cardinal Otunga as a spiritual warrior who fought the forces of ignorance, moral decline and social injustice through faith, education and pastoral service.
Education as a Mission of Service
A significant part of Fr. Kaigua’s address focused on Cardinal Otunga’s contribution to education and the establishment of CUEA.
He recalled that Cardinal Otunga, together with other members of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, now the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, donated the initial parcel of land on which the University was established.
He noted that Cardinal Otunga's vision extended beyond Kenya, reflecting his commitment to providing young people across the AMECEA region with access to quality Catholic higher education and formation.
The Cardinal also supported the development of priests through opportunities for further studies and contributed to the establishment of health centres, hospitals, social-economic programmes and educational institutions at different levels.
According to Fr. Kaigua, Cardinal Otunga firmly believed that education was an instrument of evangelisation and a means of transforming society.
He linked this legacy to CUEA’s founding mission and motto, “Consecrate them in the Truth,” urging the University to remain committed to forming students in truth and using education to confront ignorance.
He also recognised the contribution of the University's former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, in strengthening CUEA, while expressing confidence in the leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, whom he described as a promoter of peace and harmony.
Humility Beyond Church Leadership