MPs to build a home for retired Catholic priests

By OSINDE OBARE

The Catholic MPs Association in the 11th Parliament will put up a home for retiring catholic priests in Trans-Nzoia County.

The association’s Chairman Thomas Mwadegu, MP for Wundanyi, revealed that the group has acquired 10-acres in Trans Nzoia County for the project.

Mwadegu said during a fundraiser for St Philips Catholic Church at the Kitale Main Prison yesterday that a well-wisher, Mr Tom King’asia, donated five acres and the group contributed money to buy the other five acres.

 “We decided to put up a home for the priests after realising that they are abandoned after retiring. We are emulating Europe where retired priests are well catered for,” said Mwadegu.

The MP said the home will be free for use by priests who would want to retire among fellow clergy in a relaxed environment.

“Priests live all their lives serving in church and after retirement, they would want to spend the rest of their lives among their folk and this is why we thought of this project,” said Mwadegu.  He said during a recent visit to Rome to meet the Pope accompanied by Vice Chairman Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini) and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, they found some retired priests who served the church in Kenya many years ago who went back to their home countries.

“We visited Verona in Rome and we were impressed by the way retired priests are catered for including some of them who retired after serving here in Kenya,” said the MP.