Bishop Cornelius Korir. The Eldoret Catholic Diocese bishop died yesterday while on treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. [Photo: Upendo FM]
Sometimes in 2013, I met the late His Lordship the Rt. Rev. Bishop Cornelius Korir of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret at Embobut Parish in Elgeyo Marakwet County as he presided over mass at the church built by the great German missionary, Father Reinhardt.His death has hit me hard as I recalled the brief chat we had as we took our lunch in the Parish dinning room. I remember him taking a simple meal of ugali made from millet flour and the traditional vegetable herbs called 'managu.' As any Kalenjin man would want to do, he washed it down the belly with 'mursik'(sour milk laced with black herbal soot). Our host, Father Koech had gone out of the way to welcome the Bishop to the hills of Cherang'any.As I sat there with the late Bishop Cornellius Korir, I could not help but marvel at the simplicity of the man who is credited for his peace effort in the North Rift region particularly after 2007/2008 post-poll violence. I asked him about his educational background. He gladly narrated to me his struggles to be who he was at present. The picture he painted was that of a student who circumvented the challenges of life to succeed. His life story was so inspiring to me as it taught me and you that nothing comes easy in life.Each time he gladly shared his life story, I could see the animated look in his face. His eyes came alive with the passion to tell a story of the will to succeed.I mourn a man who chose peace over chaos. I mourn a man who was proud of his cultural heritage. Yes, I mourn. I mourn the demise of the father-figure of the city of champions.Rest in peace Tata.