NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 15 – Bishop Hieronymus Joya of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal has suspended seven priests and introduced sweeping disciplinary reforms following investigations into allegations of financial mismanagement, administrative negligence and violations of clerical conduct within the Samburu-based diocese.

📻 Breaking It Down

The suspensions, which took immediate effect, were communicated through a pastoral letter issued by the bishop as part of efforts to restore accountability, strengthen governance and safeguard church resources.

The affected priests have been relieved of all priestly and pastoral duties pending investigations into alleged breaches of Church regulations, including provisions under Canon 277 of the Code of Canon Law governing clerical celibacy.

According to the diocese, preliminary findings revealed cases of poor resource management, which Bishop Joya linked to the collapse of key community institutions supported by the Church, including Wamba Hospital.

📌 What You Need to Know

“One is a priest who managed Wamba Hospital, which led to the hospital being closed,” Bishop Joya said.

The bishop further disclosed that the diocese is seeking the intervention of state authorities over suspected misuse and misappropriation of church assets and property.

“The second is the misuse of resources not managed according to the procedures of the Catholic Church. We are now calling for government assistance so that these matters can be resolved in court,” he added.

Beyond financial concerns, the disciplinary action also addresses alleged violations of clerical celibacy and personal conduct standards expected of Catholic priests.

Bishop Joya reiterated the Church’s position on alcohol consumption, stating that priests should refrain from drinking in public places and within church residences.

“A priest is not supposed to be in bars,” he said. “Even in the houses where they live, they are not supposed to drink because we know the effects of alcohol.”

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya