Samburu language bible launched

The first bible to be translated in the Samburu language was received by locals, religious and political leaders at the Kenyatta stadium in Maralal town, Samburu County Saturday.
The 5,000 copies of the translated New Testament Lning’o Ng’ejuk were transported on a donkey from the Bible Translation and Literacy office in Maralal town escorted by various church leaders amid song and dance to eagerly waiting residents.
Maralal Apostolic Church Bishop Bosco Lekisaat expressed his excitement saying that it will be easy for the locals to relate with the word of God unlike in the past where they relied on Maasai bibles.
“It has taken many years and a lot of money but now our bible is finally here. When the bible becomes available in local language it becomes a tool for evangelism and discipleship because people are able to understand the bible in a new dimension”, he added.
The National Director for Bible Translation and Literacy Rev. Peter Munguti said translation of the bible into Samburu language is aimed at bringing transformation in the region.
Munguti added that the translation of the Old Testament will commence, adding that the New Testament is also available in digital and audio format.
“As members of the Samburu community, today is a day for happiness because we now have our own bible, we have now known that Jesus understands Samburu language too,” said a resident, Julia Leaduma.
Another resident, James Leleina said that the community has been using bibles that were translated in Maasai and Swahili languages for the past years.
Gracing the occasion was Deputy President William Ruto who subsidized the cost of the initial 5,000 copies of the bible to Sh 10 out of the original price of Sh150.
“The samburu people should know God because it would be unfair for the community to be a minority here an earth and proceed to be a minority in heaven,” he said.
Also present were Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal, Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe and Samburu North MP Alois Lentoimaga.
By Robert Githu