Rev Mark Kadima.

Monsignor Rt Rev Mark Kadima, gave his first sermon at the Kakamega Catholic church calling on faithful to share with the less fortunate in society.

The Bishop-elect Bungoma speaking at St Joseph's cathedral-Kakamega said the Christmas festivity was an avenue for people to practice their faith.

"We should share all we have with the poor and less fortunate in society according to the much that we have," he said.

He went on: "Living that kind of life is what will mark our true faith as Christians."
The 57-year-old man of collar at the same time asked the people to co-exist in peace and love as taught in church.

In the service that saw faithful exchange pleasantries and goodies sat Bishop emeritus (Kakamega) Philip Sulumeti.

Away from the pulpit the men of cloth kept engaged with the congregants most of whom took photos with their families in the church compound.

"I attended the sermon and it was sober and to the point," said Brendah Wawire a Catholic follower in Kakamega.

"I am looking forward to a new beginning and a better year in obedience to the teachings."

Pope Francis appointed Kadima as the Bishop of Bungoma replacing Reverend Norman King’oo, who was transferred to Machakos Diocese.

Following King’oo’s transfer on June 23, 2018, Kakamega Diocese Bishop, Joseph Obanyi, acted as the bishop of the region.

Meanwhile, police have intensified patrols in Kakamega around the festive season to thwart threats in the citizens.

Across all church services in major churches in Kakamega, two to four armed guards were stationed from the time Christmas services begin and ended.

The regional police boss Hassan Barua said the citizens' security was paramount and they would not take chances.

The police also called on churches and all social centres to be alert with observing Covid-19 regulations to stem the spread of the deadly pandemic.