In a demonstration of faith, unity, and resilience, Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Manda Bay held a series of spiritually enriching events, reaffirming the essential role of religious life within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Through both Muslim and Christian ceremonies, the gatherings underscored the significance of personal accountability, communal worship, and the enduring power of faith in fortifying the mental, emotional and moral well-being of service members.
The series of events commenced at the Manda Base Mosque with a special Padre Hour session led by the Principal Imam from Defence Headquarters, Colonel (Imam) Abdulmalik Abdallah Rubeya. Delivering a sermon under the theme “Repenting to God Before Asking for Your Prayer,” Colonel Rubeya emphasized four spiritual pillars essential to a believer’s life: repentance, trust in Allah, striving after supplication, and recognizing human limitations. His message served as a spiritual anchor for naval personnel operating under demanding conditions, encouraging them to embrace humility and divine guidance as a source of strength.
In a separate Christian event, a ground breaking and blessing ceremony for a new Anglican church to be built at Manda Base was presided over by the Principal Chaplain of the Kenya Navy, Colonel (Reverend) Mwanyanya, alongside Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Manda Bay Base Commander Brigadier Lazarus Wafula. The solemn occasion drew senior military leadership, chaplaincy representatives, and personnel from Camp Simba. Following the ceremony, Col (Rev) Mwanyanya led a Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service at St. John’s Anglican Church, where he likened the new sanctuary to the biblical promised land. “This is both an achievement and a victory. The new church will be a chapel of prosperity and a house of restoration,” he proclaimed.
In his keynote address, Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, Commander of KNB Manda Bay, reminded personnel of the sacredness of spiritual life within the military. “This is sacred ground, a place where hearts have been lifted in praise during moments of victory, and where souls have found comfort and strength in times of trial,” he said. Brigadier Wafula emphasized that the new church would stand not only as a physical structure, but also as a sanctuary of shared hope and enduring faith.
As part of the wider program, the religious team visited Baure Forward Operating Base under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), where they conducted Padre Hour sessions, a longstanding KDF tradition. These moments of worship and reflection continue to provide troops with encouragement, guidance, and renewed spiritual discipline, offering comfort and unity across all faiths.
The interfaith engagements at Manda Bay, encompassing both Muslim and Christian practices, highlight the Kenya Defence Forces’ unwavering dedication to spiritual development as a cornerstone of military life. More than ceremonial observances, these gatherings provide service members with spiritual nourishment, emotional resilience, and communal solidarity. As construction of the new sanctuary begins and interfaith initiatives continue, the KDF sets a compelling example; that faith, discipline, and service are not separate paths but deeply intertwined callings in the noble duty of defending the nation.
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