Catholic Diocese Suspends SEVEN Priests Over Gross Misconduct

Catholic Diocese Suspends SEVEN Priests Over Gross Misconduct

Hieronymus Joya, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, has suspended seven priests for alleged infractions of church law.

In a huge shake-up, the priests have been removed from their priestly and pastoral duties pending investigations into charges of ecclesiastical abuse, administrative carelessness, and financial mismanagement.

The Diocese of Maralal also announced new appointments and implemented a set of tighter laws aimed at improving accountability and governance within the church.

In a comprehensive four-page letter to the faithful, Bishop Hieronymus Joya voiced his dissatisfaction with the situation of the diocese since taking office three years ago.

Bishop Joya alleged a lack of support and misuse of church resources.

7 Catholic Priests Suspended:

7 catholic priests in Maralal Diocese suspended from ministry

Bishop Joya cracks down on alleged violations of church law

Priests accused of mismanagement of church resources, misconduct

Joya: Wamba Mission Hospital shut down due to mismanagement… pic.twitter.com/XwNWhQUkuT— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 14, 2026

“We have sent them home for various reasons. One is a priest who was in charge of Wamba Hospital, whose actions even led to the closure of the hospital,” Bishop Joya stated.

“Another issue is the misuse of resources. If these matters are not resolved according to the procedures of the Catholic Church, we will seek the government’s intervention so they can be resolved in court.”

The seven priests were suspended pending investigations. Among the allegations they face are violations of Canon 277 of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law, including consuming alcohol in bars and other public drinking establishments.

“For the dignity of the priesthood, a priest should not be found in bars,” the bishop stated.

“Even in the houses where they live, they should not consume alcohol because we know the harm alcohol can cause. If you are busy with your own business, when will you serve the people of God?”

The allegations go further that some of the priests breached the church’s celibacy requirements by engaging in prohibited sexual relationships despite their vows to dedicate themselves fully to God’s service.

“You cannot claim that you have a woman who needs your support or children you are responsible for,” the bishop remarked.

“Those who intentionally tempt priests into relationships that go against the commitments they made should stop doing so.”

Before adding, “Priests are human beings with emotions, and if they are continually enticed, they can fall.”

The seven priests have been barred from publicly celebrating Mass, administering the sacraments or carrying out any official pastoral duties.

ALSO READ:

Alongside the suspensions, Bishop Joya unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening oversight and governance across the diocese.

Under the new regulations, priests must be at their residences by 7 p.m.

They are prohibited from consuming alcohol in bars or within parish and institutional residences, and from attending any liturgical celebration while intoxicated or suffering from a hangover.

The reforms also prohibit priests from owning or operating private businesses other than their pastoral ministry.

They are also barred from acquiring property in the names of relatives or holding assets whose acquisition cannot be satisfactorily explained.

Additionally, priests are prohibited from cohabiting or engaging in intimate relationships with persons of the opposite sex or the same sex.

Catholic Diocese Suspends SEVEN Priests Over Gross Misconduct