Missionary’s widow waits for justice

Police have yet to arrest the killers of a Norwegian missionary at his Kisumu home 10 months ago.

Jan Kristensen’s widow, Ms Anne Oketch, told the Nation that the killing had not been solved conclusively.

Her visits to the police have yielded nothing except assurances that the killers will one day be brought to book no matter how long it takes.

“I was there last October and kept getting the same message. The Norwegian embassy also contacted them, only to be told the same thing,” Ms Oketch said.

Three gangsters killed Mr Kristensen last September during a raid on his home at 11am.

Raided his home

Nyanza Regional Coordinator Francis Mutie said the gang stormed the home and shot the man after he allegedly refused to open a safe in the house.

The three were cornered by police following a tip-off from a security guard at the home.

Two were shot dead, while a third, believed to be a police officer, escaped. Police are investigating claims that one of those killed was Ms Oketch’s relative.

Mr Mutie said they had recovered telephone records of the gangsters.

“They have opened a lot of secrets, which also involve very senior officers; we shall investigate and bring all the perpetrators to book.”

The missionary arrived in Kenya in 1987, and made education, health and economic empowerment of widows his issues of concern.

We will not rest until the whole matter is solved,” stated Mr Mutie.

Ms Oketch however said the police investigations have taken longer than expected with the family uncertain of when justice would prevail.

Mr Kristensen was known to be a man of the people who would always greet people with a broad infectious smile.

“But all this was taken away in the brutal hands of thugs who raided his home that Thursday,” said the wife.

She said that the death of her husband had left hundreds of children in great despair as they ponder over the good tidings he brought their way.

Ms Oketch told Nation that the contribution of her husband through the International Fellowship Kenya (INTERFELK) had sponsored 120 students through secondary school, 9 in teachers college and other numerous young kids in early childhood education.

“Jan always listened to people who sought his help in disregard of their tribe, age and gender; in this way he has supported so many people both directly and in indirect proportions,” said Ms Oketch.

She stated the missionary also spearheaded the set-up of rehabilitation centers for street children evident in the success of many who have since joined his schools to continue their education.

“We must also acknowledge that Mr Kristensen had a heart for street children whom he approached on his own and put through rehabilitation to join schools; hundreds have since graduated in as much we still have the menace of street kids in our towns,” she noted.

Mr Kristensen’s contribution to the health services sector was also in abundance. He participated in various fund raisers that has improved services in Kenyan referral hospitals.

He was due to open the latest model health facility in Nyalenda estate which was to be launched only few days before he met his untimely death.

This was added to the two secondary schools, four primary schools and several junior academies among other upcoming projects.

“Jan had just finalized preparations for opening a new health centre as part of his contribution towards mitigating on health needs in informal settlements; the investment is massive and was to be launched in October this year,” said Ms Oketch.

Of great significance is an establishment among the Ogieks and Maasai Mara where a school and church are under construction.

She added that more than 200 employees attached to the Jan’s establishment are still left in awe and are wondering what hearts would replace the work Missionary Jan was doing.

“Added to the endless list of support are the many widows who were on a special programme of receiving household support through foodstuff, shelter renovation and clothing for the children under their care.

These are some of the things that have raised anxiety as to whether the networks laid by the late Jan would be maintained by the people who will be left to run the programs,” she said.