Frederic Ntedika Mvumbi, OP was laid to rest on Friday March 15 at Kisumu, Kenya with thousands attending his funeral. Bro. Frederic, popularly called Mobutu, who was a mem-ber of the Vice Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, (D.R.C.), departed this world on Saturday night, March 2, 2019, at the age of 54. He died of aneurysm, blood pressure related issues that led to a clot in the brain.
Bro. Frederic was born on May 2, 1964 in the western part of D.R.C. He was initially diocesan seminarian from 1989 –1994. After he obtained his bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology, he joined the General Vicariate of Congo in 1994 and made his simple vows on Novem-ber 20, 1995. He was ordained to the priesthood on No-vember 14, 2000.
Bro. Frederic had his complimentary studies in Comparative Religions, and Islam, at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, from 1996 – 2001. His great mentor in Islamic studies was Brother Joseph Kenny, O.P, of blessed memory. During the period, he resided at St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, Ibadan. He taught at the Dominican Institute as well as the University of Ibadan between 1998 and 2004.
Until his death, Bro. Frederic was a Professor of Human-ities and Social Sciences at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). He held a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Baccalaureate in Theology, a Master’s in Religious Studies, a diploma in Arabic and Qur’anic Exegesis and a doctorate in Islamic Studies. He taught Religion and Culture, supervised and mentored students across Africa. He published many articles in scientific journals in the fields of Religion, Culture, Philosophy and Ethics; he was the author of six academic books. In 2011, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa designat-ed Bro. Mvumbi as a Distinguished Scholar of the year. He was, until his death, a Resource Person of the Com-mission of University Education, Kenya, in Reli-gious and Islamic Studies.
Bro. Mvumbi was a happy and committed Dominican. He always left a lasting impression in the minds of all who encountered him. People often described him as a joyful and friendly friar. He maintained such a busy schedule that it was often difficult to get hold of him. That showed how much he loved his academic life and studies and commitment to the Church.
May the soul of Brother Frederic Ntedika Mvumbi and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Father Frederic Ntedika Mvumbi
Dominican Friar
Eternal rest grant to him God. RIP.
Burial Date: Friday 15th 2019
Venue: St. Martin De Porres Priory, Kisumu
His body is at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
What good fortune it was for me to meet Fr. Mvumbi. I treasure the copies of books he gave me to bring home to the US. It was a treasured day to sit with him at his office at CUEA for tea and to pray with him in community at Kisumu. Most treasured friar, may you be among the blessed in heaven.
It’s really painful to know that you are gone. You mentored many of us at Kikuyu campus. We were always looking forward to your homilies on Sundays.May the angels lead your soul to the Almighty God. RIP
Mungu amlinde mahali pema peponi
Too soon, too painful. Father Fred mentored me in the path of Academics. I got a hint on how to synthesize apostolate and Academics from Reverent Professor Fred. Too sad, too painful. May he rest in peace, We will meet.
I have been formally advised by the Dominican Friars and CUEA of the death of Fr Fred, who has been a friend of many of us in Tangaza Community. He was a man of energy and vitality and a positive influence on many aspects of Church life. He will be missed by the Dominicans and many of us. May his soul rest in peace.
Br. Tom Kearney CFC
Principal, Tangaza University College
This is really sad news to all Dominican Fraternity. I lived with this man and he was an inspiration to me in the field of academia. He really lived the Dominican charisma, always aspiring to engage his Christian faith with Islam without compromising his Catholic faith and Dominican identity.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE!
Dear Fred,
It is with a heart full of tears that I am told that you have taken your final journey to eternal life. Rest in peace
Our thoughts and prayers are with you our beloved Fr. Fred Mvumbi. Eternal rest grant unto his soul oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen