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Nairobi, November 27, 2006

President Mwai Kibaki addressing mourners during a requiem mass for the late Father Angelo D'Agostino at the Consolata Shrine Catholic Church, Westlands.

President Mwai Kibaki and First Lady Lucy Kibaki this morning joined other mourners for the requiem mass for Rev. Father Angelo D' Agostino at the Consolata Shrine Catholic Church in Westlands, Nairobi.

The mass was conducted by Nairobi Archbishop Ndingi Mwana A' Nzeki.

Addressing the congregation, President Kibaki urged Kenyans to emulate Father D' Agostino and assist the less fortunate in the society.

He called on board members of Nyumbani Children's Home, Lea Toto and Nyumbani Village in Kitui to carry on with Father D' Agostino's work, ensuring that the homes are well maintained and succeed in serving the HIV/AIDS orphans.

President Kibaki said: "I am sure that is the assurance Father D' Agostino would have liked. He founded these homes and wanted them to succeed in reducing the prevalence and effects of HIV/AIDS."

"You should take the responsibility of ensuring that Father D' Agostino's work continues," the Head of State said.

Paying tribute to Father D' Agostino, the First Lady described him as a colleague in her work of caring for orphans and in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

She pointed out that Father D' Agostino played a pivotal role when she was setting up the Kenya Chapter of the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) by introducing her to key people and institutions helping in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

As the patron of Nyumbani Children Homes, the First Lady reassured the orphans that she will continue working hard to provide them with the resources they need.

The First Lady recalled conversations she had with U.S. President George W. Bush during a state dinner in Washington when the U.S. leader hailed the work done by Father D' Agostino in assisting vulnerable members of the Kenyan society.

The mass was also attended by the Pope's representative in Kenya Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin among others.