Maralal Catholic Diocese suspends seven priests over misconduct allegations

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, Hieronymus Joya, has suspended seven priests over alleged violations of church law.

In a major shake-up, the first of its kind in the diocese, the priests have been relieved of their priestly and pastoral duties pending investigations into allegations of abuse of ecclesiastical power, negligence in administration and financial mismanagement.

The Diocese of Maralal also announced new appointments and introduced a series of stricter regulations aimed at strengthening accountability and governance within the church.

In a detailed four-page letter to the faithful, Bishop Hieronymus Joya expressed his frustration over the state of the diocese since assuming office three years ago, citing a lack of support and the mismanagement of resources within the church.

"We have sent them home for various reasons. One is a priest who was in charge of Wamba Hospital, whose actions even led to the closure of the hospital. Another issue is the misuse of resources. If these matters are not resolved according to the procedures of the Catholic Church, we will seek the government's intervention so they can be resolved in court," Bishop Joya stated.

The seven priests were suspended pending investigations. Among the allegations they face are violations of Canon 277 of the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law, including consuming alcohol in bars and other public drinking establishments.

"For the dignity of the priesthood, a priest should not be found in bars. Even in the houses where they live, they should not consume alcohol because we know the harm alcohol can cause. If you are busy with your own business, when will you serve the people of God?" The bishop posed. 

The allegations are further compounded by claims that some of the priests breached the church's celibacy requirements by engaging in prohibited sexual relationships despite their vows to dedicate themselves fully to God's service.

"You cannot claim that you have a woman who needs your support or children you are responsible for. Those who intentionally tempt priests into relationships that go against the commitments they made should stop doing so. Priests are human beings with emotions, and if they are continually enticed, they can fall," the bishop remarked. 

The seven priests have been barred from publicly celebrating Mass, administering the sacraments or carrying out any official pastoral duties.

Alongside the suspensions, Bishop Joya unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening oversight and governance across the diocese.

Under the new regulations, priests must be at their residences by 7p.m. They are prohibited from consuming alcohol in bars or within parish and institutional residences, and from attending any liturgical celebration while intoxicated or suffering from a hangover.

The reforms also prohibit priests from owning or operating private businesses other than their pastoral ministry.

They are also barred from acquiring property in the names of relatives or holding assets whose acquisition cannot be satisfactorily explained.

Additionally, priests are prohibited from cohabiting or engaging in intimate relationships with persons of the opposite sex or the same sex.