Ruto lauds cleric, Catholic Church for their roles in reducing conflict

President William Ruto William Ruto congratulates the newly ordained Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Kitale Rev Henry Juma Odonya at Kitale Showground Trans-Nzoia County. [PCS]

President Ruto has lauded the Catholic church for peace efforts and investment in education.

Speaking at the inauguration of Henry Juma Odonya as the new Kitale Catholic bishop yesterday, the President noted that the outgoing Bishop Maurice Crowley had helped reduce conflicts among communities in the region.

"We value this great man. We will not allow him to leave the country and we ask the church to let him live among us," said Ruto. "You are taking over from a great man... and we advise you to emulate him."

Bishop Crowley asked his successor to promote peace among communities. "Under my leadership, the parishes were expanded from 17 to 34, and peace was restored between pastoralists in Kenya and Uganda.

Bishop Crowley, who resigned last year, is the founder of the diocese where he served for over 24 years

The ceremony at the Kitale ASK Showground was marked with ululation and excitement and was attended by over 20 Catholic Bishops and Kitale Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop Dr Immanuel Chemengich.

Archbishop Hubertus Mathews Maria Van Megen, the apostolic nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan conducted the consecration. He reminded the new bishop to respond to the needs of the flock that he has been assigned to look after.

"Serve all the people irrespective of their background. Be either the poor or rich, young or elderly serve them without bias," said Hubertus.

He congratulated the new bishop on his appointment and the task entrusted with heading the diocese.

"You have now fit into the shoes of the outgoing bishop Crowley. Be a servant of the people and ensure evangelism is spread across the region," said Hubertus.

Hubertus urged the new bishop to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and ensure the spiritual growth of the dioceses. He also lauded Bishop Crowley for making several contributions to peacebuilding and education.

"We are proud of your tremendous contributions to the growth of the church and economic development such as education. We salute you," said Archbishop Hubertus.

During the occasion, the President announced that the government has allocated four million bags of DAP and additional two million bags of top-dressing fertilisers to support farmers in Trans Nzoia County.

The president while responding to a request by area Governor George Natembeya, said the inputs will be available to farmers for the coming planting season.

At the same time, Ruto announced that Kitale Main Prison will be relocated to create space for the expansion of Kitale town.

Ruto was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavidi, the Speaker of the National assembly Moses Wetang'ula, and several elected leaders.