Historic gem that is cradle of Christianity and wealth of culture

An hour’s drive from Mombasa along the Mazeras-Kaloleni road, an 18th century church still stands.

It is where German-born Johann Ludwig Krapf, a member of the Church Missionary Society, started Anglican church activities in 1844.

He built the first church and cottages there after he was joined by Dr Johannes Rebmann.

Their mission was establishing Christian villages, with the first one, Rabai, becoming the cradle of Christianity in Kenya and East Africa.

Over a century later, in 1998, the Dr Krapf Memorial Museum was founded.

The houses, which are used by the local priest, remain dilapidated, but the museum is intact with artefacts that tell the story of the introduction of modern education and service to the community.

The museum was upgraded in a Sh7.7 million restoration project, but still there are pending works on the landscape.

NEW EXHIBITION

The historic marvel opened its doors to the public in April and the new exhibition does not disappoint heritage enthusiasts.

A mannequin dressed in traditional Mijikenda regalia stands at the entrance.

On its waist is hando, an immaculate white short skirt worn by women. The garment is worn alone or under a leso, kikoi (cotton fab-ric) or kishutu (coloured fabric), all of which can be wrapped around the waist. On its legs are colourful beads and bangles on the arms. The head is wrapped in brightly coloured leso.

Tools used to prepare traditional food are placed next to the mannequin, with a basket made of reeds hanging from its hand.

Mr Philip Katana, a research scientist, says the museum has been refurbished to represent a mixture of the history of Christianity, slavery and the Mijikenda culture whose evidence is still in place.

DIFFERENT

“The story is completely different from the initial one. Earlier, it was purely about Rabai, but now we are talking about Christianity and Western education,” he says.

Also highlighted are the different actors who participated in the spread of Christianity, commerce, slavery and the abolition of slave trade.

“We have a story about it, so that when people come here they can be able to appreciate what makes us who we are. Christianity came with civilisation. It was also the foundation of colonialism,” said Mr Katana. Dr Livingstone’s memorabilia is also prominently displayed.

Mr Katana says they have added a screen running a slide show of the whole exhibition.

Also displayed is information on the Coastal Christian villages established by the missionaries.

“When Krapf came here, he had a mission that was to create Christian villages connecting them to Jerusalem. Some include Frère town, Ribe, Mazeras, one in Tana River, Taita, Lamu and Gilole in Malindi. Rabai was the first Christian village,” he says.

SLAVE TRADE

A pair of chains depicting those used in slave trade and records of events serve as a reminder of the vice and its abolition. “The Western traders came here to involve themselves in trade. The currency was being used to buy the ivory. It was associated with slave trade,” says Mr Katana.

The Rebman cottage will now be used as a conference facility.

“We will not charge them. The reason we want it to be a seminar and workshop site is when people come in they can learn on the site and may be they can talk on other issues affecting the community,” said Dr Purity Kiura, the director of antiquities, sites and monuments at National Museums of Kenya, during the launch.

“Few touches were put to the other buildings and the cemetery signage. Road signs were also put up. In the next stage, we hope to rehabilitate the Krapf house where the current pastor lives and then build a house for the vicar. We are also planning to renovate the kayas as they are related to this place,” she added.