7 Maralal catholic priests suspended as bishop cracks down on misconduct

The Catholic Diocese of Maralal has introduced strict new rules for its clergy after suspending seven priests over alleged breaches of Church law.

In what Bishop Hieronymus Joya described as the first disciplinary action of its kind in the diocese, the priests have been relieved of their priestly and pastoral duties as investigations continue.

They are facing allegations of abuse of ecclesiastical authority, administrative negligence, and financial mismanagement.

The suspensions were announced alongside a series of reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, discipline, and governance within the diocese.

In a four-page pastoral letter, Bishop Joya expressed concern over what he described as years of poor administration and a lack of cooperation since he took over leadership of the diocese three years ago. He said preliminary investigations had uncovered serious issues that warranted disciplinary action.

"If things are not addressed according to Catholic rules and regulations, we will seek the government's intervention so that the matters can be addressed in court," Joya said.

The bishop said some of the priests are also being investigated for allegedly violating Canon 277 of the Code of Canon Law, which requires clerics to observe perfect and perpetual continence and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their office.

Among the allegations are claims that some of the suspended priests frequented bars to consume alcohol, behaviour Bishop Joya said falls below the standards expected of Catholic clergy.

He also accused some of them of breaching their vows of celibacy by engaging in prohibited sexual relationships.

Pending the outcome of the investigations, the priests have been barred from publicly celebrating Mass, administering the sacraments, preaching, or carrying out any official pastoral ministry.

Alongside the suspensions, Bishop Joya unveiled stricter guidelines that will apply to all priests serving in the Diocese of Maralal. Under the new directives, priests must return to their residences by 7 p.m., unless engaged in official pastoral duties.

The new measures also prohibit priests from owning or operating private businesses, with the bishop insisting that their sole mission should be serving the Church.

"No priest should own a business or get involved in any business except the business of God," the directive states.