By Doris Moraa, July 15, 2026
The Catholic Diocese of Maralal has suspended seven priests over alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of authority in one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions taken by the diocese in recent years.
Maralal Catholic Bishop Hieronymus Joya announced the suspensions through a pastoral letter, saying the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability, restore public confidence and safeguard the integrity of the Church’s mission.
The suspended priests are Fr. Paul Maina, Fr. Peter Musau, Fr. Stephen Lekasuyan, Fr. Peter Nderitu, Fr. Christopher Letikirich, Fr. John Dida and Fr. Jonathan Namoni.
According to the bishop, the priests have been relieved of all pastoral, administrative and liturgical responsibilities pending the conclusion of canonical disciplinary processes.
Bishop Joya said the action followed an extensive review of the diocese’s financial management systems and governance structures, which uncovered serious concerns requiring immediate intervention.
“The Church has a sacred responsibility to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency in the stewardship of resources entrusted to it. Any conduct that undermines these principles cannot be tolerated,” the bishop stated.
In the same directive, Bishop Joya introduced a series of stringent regulations governing the conduct of all diocesan clergy, invoking Canon 277 of the Code of Canon Law.
Under the new measures, priests are required to return to their parish residences by 7 p.m. each evening to participate in community prayers and observe diocesan discipline.
The bishop also prohibited priests from consuming alcohol in public establishments or celebrating Mass while under the influence of alcohol, warning that such behaviour damages the credibility of the Church and erodes public trust.
To strengthen financial accountability, every parish within the diocese will now be subjected to mandatory annual financial audits, with budgets requiring approval before implementation. Parish financial records will also undergo periodic reviews to ensure compliance with diocesan financial policies.
The pastoral directive further restricts overnight visitors in priests’ residences and convents unless prior authorization has been obtained directly from the bishop.
Bishop Joya also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching on priestly celibacy, warning clergy against cohabitation or engaging in romantic relationships, saying such conduct violates their sacred vows and undermines pastoral ministry.
The new regulations further prohibit priests from operating private businesses or acquiring assets through relatives or proxies where the source of funds cannot be satisfactorily explained.
Church officials said the reforms are intended to promote responsible stewardship, ethical leadership and transparency across all parishes within the Diocese of Maralal.
Bishop Joya warned that disciplinary action will continue against any clergy found to have violated Church regulations or financial management procedures.
He added that while the Church will first pursue internal canonical processes through ecclesiastical tribunals, matters involving criminal conduct or unresolved financial disputes may be referred to civil authorities for further investigation and legal action.
The Diocese of Maralal serves Catholic faithful across Samburu County and parts of northern Kenya, where the Church plays a significant role in education, healthcare, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance.
The suspensions are expected to remain in force until the ongoing canonical investigations are concluded, with diocesan authorities expected to appoint interim clergy to ensure uninterrupted pastoral services in the affected parishes.
