After Day of Prayer, Deceased Catholic Women Had “reconciled with God”: Bishop in Kenya

“There is shock among those who were in that matatu (van); there is shock among people,” he said, adding that the February 3 accident can have far-reaching effects, with people becoming reluctant to participate in pilgrimages to the Subukia National Marian Shrine.

Bishop Mwongela cautioned against fear of travelling to the Marian Shrine following the accident, saying, “God is with us; God protects us.” 

“We are praying for the quick recovery of those who are in hospital,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said.

He called for togetherness in giving the deceased “a decent sendoff”.

“We all have to unite to give these people a decent sendoff and unite to help those who have been affected and pray for healing and safety on the roads,” The Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of Kitui Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2020 told ACI Africa during the February 6 interview.

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Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported 84 deaths due to road accidents in the East African nation in the first week of 2024; 72 fatalities were reported during the same period in 2023.

Bishop Mwongela weighed in on the reported increase in deaths due to road accidents, saying, “When you look at statistics, we have already surpassed the road carnages for last year. This shows there is a problem but there is a lot that needs to be done, (and) not just (by) one person.”

He highlighted corruption as one the reasons behind some of the road accidents. He explained, “The police are on the roads, but they allow unworthy vehicles to be there.”

The Kenyan Catholic Church leader emphasized the need for safety, posing, “Are the vehicles on the road worthy? Are the roads good? Are our divers following the traffic rules?”

“We must ensure that any vehicle on the road is not a danger to other road users. This is a challenge that the government must take,” Bishop Mwongela said during the February 6 interview with ACI Africa.

In his homily the February 3 CWA Kenya National Prayer Day, he expressed concern about the rise of marital instability in the country and called for “love from the heart” and sacrifice among couples.

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