Timothy Njoya

Rev Timothy Murere Njoya, born on April 7, 1941 in Nyeri District, now Nyeri County, is a Kenyan theologian, human rights activist and a retired Presbyterian Church of East Africa Minister.[1] [2] Njoya holds Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from Princeton University. [3] He was ordained as a minister on March 20, 1967 and has served in different parishes including Chuka, Tumutumu, Mathari, St. Andrews, Dagoretti and Kinoo before his retirement in 2011.[4]

Political Activism

Rev Njoya is populalrly known for being one of the church leaders who publicly spoke and protested against the autocracy and brutality of the then President Daniel arap Moi in the 1980s and 90s. In his sermons, he advocated for political and social justice reforms in Kenya. In particular, he called for the re-introduction of multiparty democracy and strongly defended the freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the constitution.[5] He was arrested on several occasions as a result of his activism.

Rev Njoya's use of church pulpit as a platform for political activism did not go well with the church leadership that at the time advocated for political neutrality. Njoya condemned the church for remaining silent despite widespread injustices perpetrated by the government. This condemnation saw him subjected to the church disciplinary process before he was transferred from St. Andrews PCEA church in Nairobi to Nyeri in 1987.[6] [7] He nevertheless continued with his activism once he was restored to his position but with more support from the masses that had become more enlightened to the ideas of democracy.

Njoya was one of the leaders of Saba Saba multiparty demonstrations on July 7, 1990 that forced the repressive Moi regime to allow the re-introduction of multi-party state. The demonstrations left 8 people dead and many others injured and detained. Rev Njoya was badly beaten by the police.[8] [9]

Personal Life

Rev Njoya is married to Leah Wambui Njau and they have five children.[10]

References

  1. ↑ Pala, Oyunga. "We The People: 10 Deep Philosophical Thoughts from Timothy Njoya". Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  2. ↑ Manana, Francis. "Timothy Njoya". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  3. ↑ Kweyu, Dorothy (November 8, 2013). "Churches preaching money leaving matatu and bars to teach morality". Daily Nation. Nation Media Group. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  4. ↑ Manana, Francis. "Timothy Njoya". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  5. ↑ Manana, Francis. "Timothy Njoya". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  6. ↑ Wafula, Paul (December 21, 2016). "Fiery Rev Timothy Njoya's sermon that left church divided". Standard Digital. The Standard. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  7. ↑ Manana, Francis. "Timothy Njoya". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  8. ↑ "Timothy Njoya badly beaten during demonstrations in Kenya.". Presbyterian Record. The Free Library. September 1, 1997. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  9. ↑ Malanda, Ted (July 19, 2015). "Day Rev Timothy Njoya was beaten like a snake". Standard Digital Entertainment. The Standard. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  10. ↑ Manana, Francis. "Timothy Njoya". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
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