By Erestinah Jane, July 13, 2026
The Catholic Diocese of Maralal has announced a series of new parish appointments and administrative changes following the suspension of seven priests by the Bishop of Maralal, Rt. Rev. Hieronymus Joya.
The appointments are intended to ensure the continued delivery of pastoral services across the affected parishes while the diocese undertakes disciplinary processes involving the suspended clergy.
In a four-page pastoral letter addressed to the faithful, Bishop Joya outlined what he described as serious administrative and financial irregularities within the diocese. The bishop cited allegations of corruption, nepotism, financial mismanagement and violations of Canon Law as the basis for the disciplinary action.
According to the diocesan directive, the seven priests have been suspended from all priestly and pastoral duties pending the conclusion of formal ecclesiastical investigations and disciplinary proceedings. During the suspension period, they are prohibited from celebrating Mass publicly, administering sacraments, or carrying out any official ministry on behalf of the diocese unless otherwise directed by church authorities.
To prevent disruptions to worship and parish activities, Bishop Joya has appointed replacement clergy to take over leadership of the affected parishes. The newly assigned priests will oversee daily Mass, sacramental celebrations, pastoral care, catechetical programmes and other parish responsibilities while the investigations continue.
The diocesan leadership emphasized that the changes are purely administrative and are aimed at safeguarding the spiritual welfare of the faithful while ensuring accountability and adherence to Church laws and governance structures.
Church officials have assured parishioners that all essential religious services, including Sunday and weekday Masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals and other pastoral programmes, will continue uninterrupted under the newly appointed parish administrators.
The Diocese of Maralal further appealed to members of the faithful to remain calm, continue praying for the Church and support the ongoing process, noting that the disciplinary measures are intended to uphold integrity, transparency and proper stewardship within the diocese.
The suspensions remain in effect until the conclusion of the canonical investigations, after which appropriate ecclesiastical action will be taken in accordance with the findings and the provisions of Canon Law.
