This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania, the Ol Doniyo Orok cave in Kajiado County has been a sanctuary for people of different faiths seeking divine intervention. The cave, situated in the scenic Namanga Hills, has been a popular destination for worshipers from various religious backgrounds.
For years, dozens of people have visited the cave, which has tunnels where groups can gather, to pray and fast. The cave's surroundings are also a haven for wild animals, attracting tourists during the dry season.
Lucy Mwende, a prayerful mother of five, has been visiting the cave with her family every year. 'We believe that praying in this cave helps us grow spiritually,' she said.
Soita Oyaire, a teacher from Kajiado County, has been coming to the cave since 2014. 'It is quiet, and the only thing you hear is water pouring from the top of the hill, with birds singing and noise made by some animals that come to drink water,' he said.
The cave has various Bible verses scribbled on the rocks and can accommodate more than 500 people in one sitting. Frequent visitors come from Pentecostal churches in Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kiambu, and Murang'a.
Simon Masikonde, who worships at Emmanuel Shalom Church, has been visiting the cave since 2009. 'We have people from different religious backgrounds here, and everyone knows what brings him or her to this place. We may pray using different languages and manners, but all prayers go to God,' he said.
Initially, the cave was used by the Maasai during celebrations but was open to the public after it was gazetted by the government. However, the cave lacks basic amenities such as toilets and electricity, forcing worshipers to use solar lamps and dig holes for waste disposal.
