Six Catholic priests from the Diocese of Maralal have been suspended and placed under disciplinary action over alleged abuse of priestly authority, negligence and mismanagement of Church property.
Maralal Bishop Hieronymus Emusugut Joya said the suspensions are part of measures aimed at strengthening priestly discipline, accountability and the proper management of Church resources.
The suspended priests are Paul Maina, Peter Musau, Stephen Lekasuyan, Peter Nderitu, Christopher Letikirich and John Dida.
Speaking during a service at St Peter and Paul Parish in Maralal, Bishop Joya said that since his appointment to the Diocese nearly four years ago, he had encountered widespread financial and administrative challenges, forcing him to seek donations and grants to restore its stability.
He said that in December 2022, he convened a meeting of all priests in the Diocese, during which they agreed that parishes and Church institutions would contribute towards addressing the Diocese’s financial difficulties.
However, he noted that not all priests fully supported the initiative.
Although he said he would not accuse any priest without credible evidence, Bishop Joya explained that the suspensions followed the receipt of reliable information alleging misconduct by some clergy.
He said the action was taken in accordance with the Code of Canon Law to safeguard the integrity of the priesthood and ensure proper stewardship of Church property.
As part of efforts to streamline operations, the Bishop announced several directives that all priests in the Diocese must comply with immediately. Among the new regulations is a requirement that all priests be in their presbyteries by 7pm for evening prayers.
Priests are also prohibited from spending the night away from their residences without the Bishop’s permission. In addition, no lay person may stay overnight in priests’ houses or religious convents without his authorisation.
The Bishop further barred priests from consuming alcohol in bars or within parish and institutional residences, and from presiding over or participating in liturgical celebrations while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
He also directed that priests must not own or engage in private businesses, except for activities directly related to the Church. They are further prohibited from acquiring property in the names of relatives unless they can account for its legitimate source.
In addition, Bishop Joya instructed priests not to cohabit or engage in intimate relationships.
He said diocesan vehicles and motorcycles should only be driven by officially authorised personnel, with maintenance and operational costs to be met by the respective parish, institution, office or Church group.
The Bishop also stressed that the finances of parishes, institutions, offices and Church groups must be managed transparently and responsibly.
He directed finance councils and committees to carry out their oversight roles effectively, while parish councils and boards must ensure annual budgets are prepared and regular audits conducted.