Catholic Bishop Suspends Six Priests Over Alleged Mismanagement of Church Resources

Maralal Catholic Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Hieronymus Emusugut Joya, has suspended six priests.

He also announced sweeping disciplinary and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, priestly discipline, and the management of Church resources within the Diocese.

The Bishop made the remarks during a pastoral address broadcast by Radio Mchungaji 94.5 FM.

Suspended Maralal Catholic Priests

According to Bishop Joya, pending the resolution of cases involving alleged abuse of ecclesiastical authority, administrative negligence, and mismanagement of Church temporal goods, he suspended six priests.

The suspended priests are Rev. Fr. Paul Maina, Rev. Fr. Peter Musau, Rev. Fr. Stephen Lekasuyan, Rev. Fr. Peter Nderitu, Rev. Fr. Christopher Letikirich and Rev. Fr. John Dida.

He said the action was taken in accordance with the Code of Canon Law after receiving credible information regarding misconduct, emphasizing that he does not accuse any priest without sufficient evidence.

New Rules 

Alongside the disciplinary action, the Bishop announced a series of regulations that take immediate effect across the Diocese.

Also Read: Larry Madowo Reveals Plans to Become a Priest

Priests are now required to be in their presbyteries before 7:00 p.m. for evening prayers and may not spend the night away from their residences without the Bishop’s permission.

He also prohibited lay persons from staying overnight in priests’ houses or religious convents without prior authorization.

The new directives further ban priests from consuming alcohol in bars or within parish and institutional residences.
They are also prohibited from attending any liturgical celebration while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, priests are not permitted to own or engage in private businesses except those directly related to the Church.
They are also barred from owning or acquiring property in the names of relatives unless they can account for its legitimate source.

Bishop Joya further directed that priests must not cohabit or engage in intimate relationships with persons of either the opposite or the same sex.

He also ordered that diocesan vehicles and motorcycles be driven only by officially assigned personnel, with maintenance and operational costs borne by the respective parish, institution, office, or Church group.

Also Read: Former Catholic Priest Arrested After Sharing Detailed Plan to Overthrow Ruto’s Govt

The Bishop explained the need for transparency and accountability in the management of Church finances.

He instructed that finance councils and committees be allowed to carry out their responsibilities effectively, while parish councils and boards should ensure annual budgets are prepared and audits conducted.

He also called on all Church leaders and accounting officers to comply with both Church and government laws.

He concluded by calling on the faithful to pray for the suspended priests as they begin a period of reflection on their priestly vocation and service to the Church.

The Bishop also urged Christians to continue praying for the Diocese of Maralal and its leadership as it works to overcome its current challenges and strengthen its pastoral mission.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, Rt. Rev. Hieronymus Emusugut Joya