Maralal, 25 October, 2022 / 9:45 pm (ACI Africa).
The newly Consecrated Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal in Kenya has committed himself to fostering peace in his Episcopal See.
Bishop Hieronymus Emusugut Joya who was explaining the symbols that will define his Episcopal Ministry captured in his Coat of Arms at the end of the October 22 Ordination event acknowledged with appreciation efforts toward peace that his predecessor, Bishop Virgilio Pante made in the Diocese that covers Kenya’s Samburu County.
The inhabitants of Samburu County have been in conflict with their neighboring Turkana County counterparts as a result of cattle rustling and theft, gender-based violence, as well as intra and inter-ethnic rivalries.
“As I start my Episcopal duties in this Diocese, I intend to enlighten about love that cuts across divides, and through this, we will be able to address the challenge of insecurity in this Diocese,” Bishop Joya said.
He said that though his predecessor “dwelled on peace and reconciliation” in the 21 years he served as the Local Ordinary of the Diocese located in the Northern part of Kenya, violent conflicts have not yet been overcome.