A historical jewel that is the cradle of Christianity and the richness of culture

An hour's drive from Mombasa, along the Mazeras-Kaloleni road, still stands an eighteenth-century church

Johann Ludwig Krapf, Born in Germany He founded the first church and the first houses after being joined by Dr. Johannes Rebmann.

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

More than 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 artifacts that tell the story of the introduction of modern education and service to the community.

The museum has been upgraded to a 7.7 million shillings restoration project, but work is still underway on the landscape. historical marvel In 1965, the new exhibition does not disappoint heritage lovers.

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

On her waist is hando, an immaculate white short skirt worn by women. The garment is worn alone or under a leso, kikoi (fabric cotton) or kishutu (colored fabric), which can all be wrapped around the waist. On his legs are colorful beads and bracelets on his arms. The head is wrapped in bright colors.

The tools used to prepare traditional food are placed next to the manikin, with a basket made of reeds hanging from his hand.

million. Philip Katana, researcher, says the museum has been renovated to represent a mixture of the history of Christianity, slavery and Mijikenda culture whose evidence is still in place.

"The story is completely different from the original." Previously, it was purely about Rabai, but now we are talking about Christianity and western education. "[19659004] The various actors who participated in the spread of Christianity, trade, slavery and the abolition of the slave trade.

"We have a story about this, so that when people come here, they can appreciate what makes us who we are.Christianity came with civilization.This was also the foundation of colonialism, "said Katana. The memories of Dr. Livingstone are also highlighted

M. Katana says that they have added a screen that presents a slideshow of all the exhibition.

Information on the coastal Christian villages established by the missionaries are also posted

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

A pair of chains representing those used in the slave trade and the registers of events serve as a reminder of vice and its abolition. "Western traders came here to get involved in the trade, the currency was used to buy ivory, it was badociated with the slave trade," says Katana.

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

"We will not charge them." The reason we want it to be a seminar and workshop site, is that people can learn about the site and can talk about other issues affecting the community, "said Dr. Purity Kiura, director of antiquities, sites and monuments, at the National Museums of Kenya, at the launch.

" Few keys have been to other buildings and cemetery signage. Signs have also been installed. In the next step, 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 because they are related to this place, "she added.