Kericho — Five bishops, the entire Kiltegan fraternity, scores of priests, religious brothers and sisters, and thousands of Christians held an emotional send off for the slain Fr Jerry Roche at the Kericho Cathedral grounds on December 17.

The farewell mass was celebrated by Bishop Maurice Crowley of Kitale, concelebrated by Bishops Emmanuel Okombo of Kericho, Philip Anyolo of Homa Bay, and Administrator of Nakuru Diocese, Norman Kingo of Bungoma and Alfred Rotich of the Military Ordinariate.

Bishop Crowley called on all Christians to emulate the selflessness of Fr Roche who gave his life for the people of Kericho.

He also made a call on the murderers to repent and come back to the Lord.

Bishop Okombo described Fr Roche as an exemplary priest who lived his life to the fullest.

"Fr Roche will be remembered for his prayer life and hard work in all the parishes in worked in," he said.

He also conveyed condolences from Pope Benedict XVI as well as from the Cardinal in charge of the Propagation of Faith.

"The death of Fr Roche, a pioneer missionary in both Nakuru and Kericho is a big loss not just to the family and us but the entire Catholic Church in the world," Okombo added.

All the other Bishops expressed condolences to the family of slain priest which was represented by his Nephew Mr Jerry. The family requested to have the body of Fr Roche taken back home in Ireland where he will be buried alongside his parents in Limerick.

Bishop Alfred Rotich, who comes from the neighbouring parish of Kipchimchim moved the congregation to tears by making an appeal to the Kipsigis community to repent the sins of murder and the abominations committed in their land.

Speaking in Kipsigis, Bishop Rotich called on the local leaders to rally the people back to the Lord, to own up to their transgressions, particularly of murdering Fr Roche like an animal. "Human life is sacred, no one has a right to take away life," Rotich said in an emotional appeal to the mammoth congregation.

Fr Roche who was known for his hard work and humour among his confreres was eulogized by all and described as a man who stood for the truth, love and justice.

"Fr. Jerry has not died in vain, his body will be interred in Ireland but his spirit will continue living among all those he touched by his work and love" Fr Patrick Divine said in a message on behalf of the Association of Religious Superiors of Kenya.

"This is not a moment of fear but one of restoration, may the planners and murderers of Fr Roche repent and return to way of love, justice and truth that he stood for," Divine said.

Fr Roche who was brutally murdered last week at Kiongo parish had worked his entire 41 years in the larger Kericho. He also served in Kipkelion, Roret, Matobo and Chebang'ang parishes.

The late Fr Roche joins the list of the valiant soldiers of Christ who have died in the line of duty. Bishop Lokati, Fr John Kaiser, Fr John Hannon, Frs Andeni, Bertaina of the Consolata Missionaries among others.