Makindu, Kenya—UPF-Kenya’s Peace Road 2019 was organized in conjunction with the Makindu Sikh Temple in commemoration of the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Makindu Sikh Temple is a historic landmark along the Kenya Railway line, having been established in 1926 to cater to Sikh railway workers. The temple is among the earliest of temples in Kenya. This year, the Sikh community partnered with UPF to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 550th anniversary, with special emphasis on his interfaith approach, years before conceptualization of interfaith work as well as Ambassadors for Peace. This was alongside UPF’s annual Peace Road, giving an interfaith and universality flavor.
The event, flagged off by Makueni Governor H.E. Prof.Kivutha Kibwana, attracted hundreds of participants from all walks of life. The flagging-off was at Makindu Sikh temple, and the procession proceeded to the mosque. At the mosque the procession was received by Sheikh Ustadh Firoze, alongside chanting and drumming by madrassa youths. At the mosque, interfaith prayers were offered and peace trees planted. It was a scene to behold as interfaith took center stage.
From the mosque the procession rode to the local Catholic parish. The parish father in-charge was at hand to receive and welcome the peace procession right into the pro-cathedral, where once again interfaith prayers were offered before participants proceeded to plant a tree within the compound. The Father in charge led by example, planting the peace tree.
Among the dignitaries who graced the event were Makueni Governor H.E. Prof.Kivutha Kibwana; former Chief of Defense Forces General Jeremiah Kianga; two Members of Parliament, Hon. David Karithi and Hon,Njeru Kathangu; Chairman of Makindu Temple Jagjit Ahluwalia; Council of Imams Nairobi Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Khan; UPF Chairman Dharam Chaggar. The many religious leaders from Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities formed a formidable interfaith forum.