United by Faith, Bound by Family

Faith, family unity and spiritual growth are fundamental to nurturing a strong and resilient military community. In this spirit, Roman Catholic faithful and their families gathered at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Embakasi Garrison, for the annual Parish Family Day, an occasion that brought together worship, fellowship and celebration. The event also featured the official opening and blessing of the Cardinal Otunga Multipurpose Hall by the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi.

The celebration provided an opportunity for military families and members of the parish community to come together in prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship, while reaffirming the importance of strong family bonds in nurturing a united and resilient military community.

A key highlight of the occasion was the official opening and blessing of the Cardinal Otunga Multipurpose Hall by Bishop Gachihi. The facility is intended to support parish activities, pastoral programmes and community gatherings, providing a dedicated space for fellowship and engagement among members of the parish community. A commemorative plaque at the hall records its official opening and blessing today 18 October 2026.

In his homily, Bishop Gachihi urged the congregation to respect those in positions of authority, whether in the country, workplaces or the Church, noting that respect and cooperation make it easier for leaders to discharge their responsibilities. He encouraged the faithful to live lives that please God rather than seeking to impress people, emphasising the importance of making choices that glorify God and reflect Christian values in everyday life.

The event also highlighted the Sacrament of Confirmation as an important milestone in the Christian faith journey. The sacrament strengthens candidates in their faith and deepens their commitment to Christian values and the life of the Church.
Adding to the day’s celebrations, families and members of the parish community cut cake and shared lunch, creating an opportunity to strengthen relationships, interact and celebrate their shared faith in a spirit of unity and togetherness.

The celebration underscored the importance of spiritual guidance and family support in promoting the well-being of KDF personnel and their families. Through shared worship, fellowship and communal activities, the occasion reaffirmed the role of the Church and the family in nurturing responsible individuals and strengthening unity within the Embakasi Garrison community.
The Parish Family Day and the opening of the Cardinal Otunga Multipurpose Hall served as a reminder that strong faith, mutual respect and supportive families remain essential pillars of a united and resilient military community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.