The bishop of Maralal (Kenya), Mons. Hieronymus Emusugut Joya, has promulgated a new set of disciplinary norms for the clergy of his diocese, after denouncing various conduct and management issues among some of his priests. The measures include the prohibition of frequenting bars, consuming alcohol, owning private businesses, or acquiring assets through family members. As part of this reform, the prelate has also removed seven priests from the exercise of priestly and pastoral ministry for alleged violations of canon law.
According to Kenyan media reports, the bishop explained in a letter addressed to the faithful that these decisions respond to the situation he found upon assuming the pastoral governance of the diocese three years ago, marked by irregularities in the administration of ecclesiastical assets, disciplinary problems, and abuse of authority by some members of the clergy.
A new disciplinary code for priests
Among the new provisions established by Mons. Joya is the obligation for priests to remain in their residences from seven o’clock in the evening onward. In addition, he prohibits them from consuming alcohol in bars, parish halls, or their own residences, as well as celebrating liturgical acts under the influence of alcohol or with a hangover.
The diocesan decree also prevents presbyters from owning or managing private businesses and from acquiring real estate through family members or third parties. With these measures, the bishop seeks to strengthen dedication to priestly ministry, preserve the dignity of the priesthood, and ensure greater transparency in the administration of the diocese.
“To preserve the dignity of the priesthood, a priest should not be seen in a bar,” the prelate stated, adding that alcohol consumption is incompatible with the witness that the Church’s ministers must offer.
Seven priests suspended
As part of this reform process, Mons. Joya announced that seven priests have been removed from their priestly and pastoral responsibilities for alleged violations of canon law.
The accusations include alleged cases of financial mismanagement, negligence in parish administration, and abuse of ecclesiastical authority. The bishop further warned that if some of these matters cannot be resolved through canonical channels, he will request the intervention of civil and judicial authorities.
“Do not try to lead priests into temptation”
In his message to the faithful, the bishop also made an explicit appeal to women to respect the priestly vocation and the commitment to celibacy.
“To all those who seek to lead priests into temptation and push them into relationships contrary to their faith and priestly vocation, I ask you to stop. These priests are human beings and have feelings. If you convince them, they may become weak,” he stated.
At the same time, he reminded the priests themselves that they must remain faithful to the promises made on the day of their ordination.
“How can someone carry out the work of God when they have their own businesses and must support a woman and a child?” asked Mons. Joya, insisting that priestly ministry requires full dedication to the service of the people of God.