Catholic church takes a swipe on senate, government as new bishop is installed

The Catholic Church has criticised the Senate for failing to agree on the formula to be used to share out funds to counties.

In a statement yesterday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops accused senators of selfishness and of holding the country to ransom. The conference's chairman, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, said it was time senators displayed the highest level of patriotism.

“The Senate should immediately bring to conclusion debate on the revenue allocation Bill so that the monetary allocations to counties can be urgently disbursed," said Anyolo in the statement. 

"It (Senate) should not continue holding the country to ransom. Political favouritism and revenge at the expense of the wellbeing of the people is unacceptable,” he said.

The bishops also singled out runaway corruption as the greatest evil bleeding the country dry and curtailing service delivery.

It was a shame for a few selfish individuals to divert into their pockets funds meant for the fight against Covid-19, they said, and called on investigative agencies and the Judiciary to "bring this evil" to an end.

“We take great exception to the misuse of Covid-19 funds. We are witnessing the ugly face of corruption. Kenyans are angry that some among us have seen an opportunity to divert to their pockets resources meant for the fight against the pandemic. This is a shame,” said the bishops.

Meanwhile, Kitui Catholic Diocese has a new head. The Rev Joseph Maluki Mwongela was consecrated yesterday as the new Kitui bishop at a colourful ceremony at the St Charles Lwanga Church in Kitui.

The newly installed bishop was gifted a brand new Toyota V8 vehicle to assist him in his pastoral work. The consecration ceremony was attended by a number of bishops led by John Cardinal Njue.

Ukambani political leaders, led by governors Kivutha Kibwana, Alfred Mutua and Charity Ngilu, also attended the installation ceremony.