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vii Acknowledgements F or the last ten years, I have laboured to establish how best I can honour my local people of my Mutira village in Kirinyaga County, Central Kenya, in East Africa, where I was born and brought up some years after Kenya’s independence. The impetus for researching and publishing this book has been presented by the first centenary celebration of the establishment of Christianity in the locality (1912-2012). Thus, this is a dream come true for me as it will document critical historical facts about Mutira, the Ndia people, Kirinyaga County and Kenya and Africa in general. I appreciate the mutual support of my colleagues at Kenyatta University who ‘understood’ what I was doing and thereby gave me the necessary support. In particular, my comrade-in-arms, Patrick Egondi, deserves a pat on the back for standing in solidarity with me as I wrestled with this project in our University office. Together, I hope, we shall make at least a footnote in history. Prof. Isabel Phiri and Prof. Jesse Mugambi, my long time mentors deserve a special place for their critical roles in shaping me academically. Dr. Moses Mwangi Njoroge, the Principal of St. Andrews’ College of Theology and Development, Kabare, deserves my salutations, as he allowed me to access important materials in their Library. Hats off to Prof. Marion Mutugi for her excellent and intuitive editorial work; and indeed the much needed moral support. For his insightful and perceptive advice, after going through the book, when it was in manuscript form, Prof Mugambi deserves my warm salute. My immediate family members: Jedidah,Angela andAudrey, deserve my compliments for their understanding as I interrupted their sleep in the course of working towards the publication of this book. If the historical insights in this book stimulate reflection and action regarding the church, it will be a clear prove that these labours were not in vain. Dr. Julius Gathogo, PhD Lecturer, Philosophy and Religious Studies Dept Kenyatta University viii ...

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