Bishop Kimengich to leaders: Stop misuse of public funds

Bishop Dominic Kimengich speaking in Eldoret after leading a Palm Sunday service at the St Mathews Cathedral, April 13, 2025. /MATHEWS NDANYI

Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich has asked leaders and government officers to rein in on corruption to avert loss of public resources.

Kimengich says corruption has reached alarming levels in the country.

Speaking on Palm Sunday, the cleric said the poor are being forced to pay bribes, adding that some public jobs are on sale.

He says the country is increasingly becoming home for a few rich people and those who use their jobs to enrich themselves with public resources.

“We are left wondering where will the poor go and who will stand for them. What we are doing is wrong and we are completely destroying our country through corruption,” Kimengich said.

He was speaking after leading a Palm Sunday service at the St Mathews Cathedral in Eldoret.

Kimengich cautioned that the church has frequently warned against some of the ills taking place in the country, but little has been done to reverse the situation.

“Corruption has reached saddening levels where Kenyans have to buy jobs and those in positions are using public offices to amass for themselves. If we continue going that way, we are just destroying our country,” said the clergyman.

He said Kenyans were paying taxes and the government should use the same prudently to develop the country and create jobs for youth.

“Public jobs are supposed to be free and fairly distributed to all Kenyans and the opportunities available should not be a preserve for those in positions,” Kimengich said.

Bishop Kimengich said corruption was immoral and evil and that those who engage in it would pay for their sins.

He said the church would remain firm on its stand on issues affecting Kenyans while also praying for God’s intervention.

At the same time, he regretted that insecurity was still a major problem in Kerio Valley with the re-emergence of banditry.

“The government should not allow a few people to take us back with killing of innocent people in Kerio Valley," Kimengich said.

He urged security teams in the region to stamp authority and deal with those perpetrating banditry.