Pastor Melhite Kenye, who had recently celebrated his 100th birthday and a Guinness World Record holder for discovering the tallest paddy plant in the world in 1988, died at Chümoukedima on Tuesday.
Recipient of Governor’s Gold Medal in 2002 for discovering the tallest paddy plant, late Kenye was born at Chizami village in 1922 and was one of the early Christian converts from the village. He married Kewetso-u Lasuh, who was also one of the early Christian converts.
Late Kenye subsequently migrated to Dimapur and served as pastor of Dimapur Chakhesang Baptist Church and pastor of Town Baptist Church, Chümoukedima for a long period, spanning nearly four decades.
CM condoles: In his condolence message, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said Kenye’s death was a huge loss for Nagas in general and Chakhesang community in particular. However, he urged everyone to take comfort from the Bible verse “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”.
Rio conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them solace and peace of mind in this hour of bereavement and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026