Catholic Bishop in Kenya Decries “devolved” Corruption, Cautions against Selfishness

Bungoma, 29 August, 2023 / 9:36 PM

The devolved structure of the Kenyan government enshrined in the 2010 Constitution that established two levels of government has been characterized with corruption, a Kenyan Catholic Bishop has lamented.

In his homily during the Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilee celebration of 10 members of the Congregation of Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK) on Monday, August 28, Bishop Mark Kadima also cautioned against selfishness.

“We talk of corruption in both the private and public sectors, including the government. Corruption has now been devolved,” the Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Bungoma Diocese said during the event that was held at Sacred Heart Mukumu Parish of Kakamega Diocese.

Credit: FIAT Communications Centre

He attributed corruption to greed and individualism, saying, “The world is full of selfishness where everyone is trying to grab what they are able to. That is why we talk of corruption; corruption is where we try to make the best of anything that we get,"

Making reference to the recent devolution Conference held in Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County that was characterized with narratives of success stories, Bishop Kadima said, “It was clear that the story of corruption has not been dealt with.”

“There is a story that as much as services have (been) devolved, corruption has also been devolved,” the Kenyan Catholic Church leader said, adding, “This means that it is even worse than it had been even in the national government.”

With a devolved structure of government, the vice corruption in the 47 Kenyan Counties is at alarming proportions and “bad news in itself”, he lamented. 

“Every service that we bring to our people must be for the good of those people so that they can realize God and praise Him, and yet it can be contrary when we fail to do it diligently,” said the 59-year-old Bishop who has been at the helm of Bungoma Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in February 2022.

In his August 28 homily, the Kenyan Catholic Bishop spoke about the importance of Religious Life, which he said provides an opportunity for selfless service to humanity, going beyond oneself.

“Religious Life is good news; Religious Life is to tell us that there is a journey to make; it tells us that there is the beyond; that there is a neighbor next to us; it is about serving the others without thinking about ourselves all the time,” Bishop Kadima said during the Eucharistic celebration that was concelebrated by the Local Ordinary of Kakamega, Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, his predecessor, Bishop Philip Sulumeti, and Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu Archdiocese.

Credit: FIAT Communications Centre

The native of Kakamega Diocese added, “Religious Life brings the message that it is possible to serve the other without expecting payment, and that is why our Religious Brothers and Sisters serve without lining up to get a salary. It is possible even if you are not in Religious Life.”

Bishop Kadima lauded the 10 members of SMK celebrating their Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees of selfless service, saying, “Religious Life is about continuing the mission of Christ; it is about witnessing in the ordinary things of life.”

“Religious Life is a commitment to serving others for the glory of God; it is a commitment in the vows that we make, that we look at others and not ourselves,” he said during the August 28 event.