From Germany to Iten: How a 1985 Friendship Brought a 40 Year Legacy to St Patrick’s

By Hillary Kosgey Arap Masut, from An Anthology of Memoirs

Many remarkable events took place in 1985. It was the year Pope John Paul the Second visited Kenya. It was also the year a story of friendship, respect and understanding unfolded between two individuals, a story that would eventually give St Patricks High School in Iten a gift that became legendary for decades.

St Patricks had been founded by the Irish brothers in 1961. Twenty four years later, its foundations in discipline, academics and sport had made it one of the most respected schools in Kenya. Among its special friends was the then Mayor of Eldoret, Joseph Lesiew. He loved the school deeply. Through his close friendship with a powerful and respected international figure, he chose to make a request that would forever change the school’s history.

His friend was the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Helmut Kohl. Chancellor Kohl led West Germany and is remembered worldwide for the later unification of East and West Germany, although this had not yet happened in 1985. That same year, Chancellor Kohl hosted Mayor Lesiew for a working tour in Germany, a visit that took place in the early months of the year. During that trip, Mayor Lesiew humbly requested whether the Chancellor could help provide a proper school bus for St Patricks. The school was shining in both academics and sport, and he hoped that its excellence could be supported with a modern machine worthy of its name.

The Chancellor agreed to help, but placed one strict condition. The bus had to go directly to St Patricks High School and nowhere else. It seems Chancellor Kohl suspected that once the bus arrived in Kenya, forces of mischief might attempt to divert it. Those suspicions were right. When the bus arrived, there were attempts to channel it to a school in Nyanza. But the mayor refused to bend. He stood firm and protected the gift that had been meant specifically for St Patricks. He went through many challenges to ensure the machine reached the school, some of which cannot be mentioned here but which will appear in my upcoming memoir.

And what a beauty it was when it finally arrived. A Mercedes Vanttool in elegant white and green colors. It had hydraulic doors that opened smoothly like nothing ever seen in a Kenyan high school. At night a bright display on the top shone proudly with the words ITEN SAINTS. The huge undercarriage trunks could carry our food, beddings and luggage on long trips. The country took notice immediately. It was said St Patricks had the best school bus in Kenya. A high school with a Mercedes. With power doors. It was unheard of.

The driver given the honour of handling the German machine was known as Counsillor, may his soul rest in peace. He enjoyed every kilometre he drove with the boys as they travelled across the nation to the many competitions St Patricks dominated during those golden years. He sang with the students and created unforgettable moments. Songs like Moss moss mama Milka, Oh when the saints go marching in, Ningekuwa msichana anayependa kuolewa ningeolewa na Counsillor, and Min Omolo Dhakoyach still ring in our ears. Those were truly happy days.

There was an incident on 16 August 1985. Counsillor was involved in an accident with the Vanttool bus on their return from attending the Pope’s visit. Since St Patricks is a Catholic school, they had travelled to participate in the historic moment. Fortunately, the German machine survived, was repaired, and continued with its legacy.

Today the Mercedes Vanttool is 40 years old. It has seen glory, laughter and honour. Its registration number is KWP 398, confirming its age. It may no longer roam the entire country the way it once did, but it still works. It now serves more local errands as befits its age, but its spirit remains unbroken. It carried champions from every corner of Kenya, winners in basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis and music festivals. It even carried the best German students in 1992, myself included. It not only transported champions but also trophies, many of which rested proudly on its seats. For sure Vanttool has been there and has done that.

As we celebrate its 40th birthday at St Patricks, we also honour the people who have ensured it remains roadworthy. Timothy and Ben are the current drivers, and they have cared for it with dedication. We also remember retired driver Dominic, who together with Counsillor travelled to receive the bus for the first time and drove it all the way to Iten with pride and excitement.

Many good men have played a role in the growth of our beloved school. And to my very respectable friend, a friend of my grandfather and my father, whom they went to school with, this story is told in your honour. Former Mayor Joseph Lesiew, together with your friend Chancellor Helmut Kohl, St Patricks will always remember you.

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group.