Dutch priest Father Kraakman ends 55-year mission in Kenya

This Saturday will mark the end of an era in the Archdiocese of Kisumu.

Fr. Gerald Kraakman, the beloved Mill Hill Missionary from the Netherlands, will celebrate his final Mass in Kenya at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Nyamonye. 

After 55 years of missionary service, the 81-year-old cleric will be returning to his homeland, leaving behind a spiritual legacy etched into the hearts of thousands.

For many in the parishes he served, Fr. Kraakman, fondly known as Fr. Gerry, has been more than a priest. He has been a father, a teacher, a friend, and a humble witness of the Gospel.

His departure evokes both gratitude and deep emotion.

“I arrived in Kenya in 1968, just four months after my ordination,” he recalled during an earlier farewell ceremony at Nanga Parish. 

He said he was young and ready to serve but did not know exactly what the journey would hold.

Fr. Kraakman’s priestly journey began with a mysterious and profound moment as a young boy.

“One day after Mass, as I was leaving my pew, I heard a voice clearly say, ‘I want you to be a priest.’ I turned, but no one was there,” he recounts with conviction, adding that that moment has never left him. 

Born into a devout Catholic family in the Netherlands, Fr. Kraakman’s early life revolved around the Church. But it was in Kenya that he truly came into his own, nurturing communities with unwavering love, humility, and purpose.

He has served in several parishes across Kisumu Archdiocese—including Bar Korwa, Nyangoma, Nyamonye, and most recently, Nanga. 

Everywhere he went, he brought with him not only the sacraments but also bricks and mortar, helping build churches and form faith communities from the ground up.

“When you ask about my greatest joy, I always say, look at the Baptismal books. So many have been baptized and that’s how you know the faith is growing,” he said.

Joseph Rajema, a retired chief recalled how Fr. Kraakman helped him build Ulungo dispensary in 1987.

“He also founded that Nyamonye Small Home in 1981,” said the ex-chief, adding that he also built houses for widows.

More than just numbers, his real gift was his ability to connect with people, especially through language. Fluent in Luo, he often surprised even native speakers with the clarity and power of his preaching.

“Fr. Kraakman speaks Luo with ease and grace. He didn’t just speak our language but embraced our culture. That’s what made him one of us,” said Fr. Joseph Oduor, Dean of Kisumu Denary.

Like every missionary, Fr. Kraakman also faced struggles, particularly in following up with catechumens who drifted away after initial enthusiasm.

“Some come for catechism during holidays and disappear afterwards. Bringing them back is never easy,” he noted.

Still, he never lost hope. His trust in God's call anchored him.

“Prayer and faith are everything because they keep us close to God. And when we are close to God, everything else follows,” he said.

While he has been easing into retirement by helping out at Nanga Parish and nearby communities, Saturday’s Mass in Nyamonye will be his final official act as a missionary in Kenya before flying back to Holland.

On Wednesday, Mary Achieng a parishioner in Nyamonye told The Standard that Fr. Kraakman came here as a stranger, but he leaves as a brother. 

“Fr. Kraakman gave us his life, his love, his language and we are forever grateful,” said Akinyi.