Kenyans have been urged to observe religious values in order to fight evil practices in society and instill morals among the younger generations.
Speaking at Redeemed Gospel Church at Shikaadabu area in Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County during the official launch of the bible in Rabai language, Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule said that the society was slowly losing moral values due to adoption of foreign western culture especially among the youth.
She lauded those behind the translation of the bible to the Rabai dialect including the Bible Translation and Literacy East Africa saying that the message will now be able to be absorbed by the Rabai people especially those who do not understand English or Kiswahili.
“Let us embrace religious values to safeguard our future generations from sliding into norms and cultures that try to deteriorate our morals and it is only through religious activities that we shall restore our place in society,” she said.
Chibule noted that the translation was long overdue owing to the fact that the first church in East and Central Africa was constructed by Dr Johann Ludwig Krapf, a German Lutheran missionary who established a mission in Rabai in 1844. The place is now a museum under the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).
“History reveals that the first church in East and Central Africa was built here in Rabai but it has taken ages for the bible to be translated to the local language. I believe many people will now be able to understand the word of God in their own language,” she added.
Dr Krapf is documented to have arrived in Rabai in 1844 with his pregnant wife who later died due to malaria and construction of the church then began in late 1846 through to 1847 with Krapf conducting the first sermon in the church in 1846.
However, the Portuguese church in Malindi is believed to be the first Christian church in Kenya which was built in 1502 by the residents of the Portuguese factory established by Vasco da Gama during his second voyage to India and is believed to be the first Christian place of worship to be built in East Africa.
Mr Kenneth Konde who represented Rabai MP Anthony Kenga Mupe said that the MPs office will fund production of copies of the translated version which will be distributed to residents in the area.
