MARALAL (KENYA)
Kenyans.co.ke [Nairobi, KE]
July 15, 2026
By Timothy Cerullo
The Catholic Diocese of Maralal has announced sweeping new rules for priests following the suspension of seven clerics accused of violating Church law.
In what Bishop Hieronymus Joya described as the first disciplinary action of its kind in the diocese, the seven priests were relieved of their priestly and pastoral duties pending investigations.
The priests are accused of abusing ecclesiastical authority, administrative negligence, and financial mismanagement.
The suspensions were announced alongside a raft of reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, discipline, and governance within the diocese.
In a detailed four-page letter, the bishop expressed frustration over what he described as years of mismanagement and a lack of cooperation since he took over leadership three years ago.
According to Bishop Joya, preliminary investigations uncovered serious concerns that warranted the suspension of the priests.
“If things are not addressed per the Catholic rules and regulations, we will seek the government’s intervention so that things can be addressed in court,” Joya said.
Among the allegations facing the priests are violations of Canon 277 of the Code of Canon Law, which requires clerics to observe perfect and perpetual continence and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their office.
Bishop Joya alleged that some of the suspended priests had been consuming alcohol in bars and other drinking establishments, conduct he said was inconsistent with the expectations of Catholic clergy.
“A priest is not allowed to be near any bar or even take any drink where they live because we know the effects of alcohol,” he said.
The bishop also cited alleged breaches of celibacy, claiming that some of the priests were involved in prohibited sexual relationships despite their vows of chastity.
Pending the conclusion of the investigations, the seven priests have been barred from celebrating Mass publicly, administering sacraments, preaching, or carrying out any official pastoral duties.
At the same time, Bishop Joya announced a series of stricter regulations that will apply to all priests serving in the Diocese of Maralal.
Under the new directives, priests must be at their residences by 7 pm unless they have official pastoral duties.
They are prohibited from drinking alcohol in bars, consuming alcohol within parish premises, or attending liturgical celebrations while intoxicated or nursing a hangover.
The bishop further directed that priests should not own or operate private businesses, saying their only mission should be serving the Church.
“No priest should own business or get involved in any business except the business of God,” the directive states.
The new rules also prohibit priests from acquiring property in the names of relatives or other individuals, with the church also requiring that clergy remain celibate by barring them from cohabiting or engaging in romantic relationships.