Catholic bishops from Kenya’s North Rift region have renewed their call for peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion during an Inter-diocesan Mass celebrated recently, in Chemolingot, Baringo County, an area that has experienced recurring insecurity and intercommunal conflict.
Rose Achiego Ande – Nairobi
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Cleophas Oseso Tuka of the Diocese of Nakuru, alongside Bishop John Mbinda of the Diocese of Lodwar and Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of the Diocese of Kitale. The Mass brought together priests, religious, government officials, community leaders, and hundreds of faithful from the dioceses of Nakuru, Lodwar, Kitale, and the Diocese of Eldoret.
Commitment to peace
Held at Claude Academy School in Chemolingot, the gathering served as a powerful witness to the Church’s commitment to promoting peace and fraternity among neighboring communities.
The North Rift region of Kenya, which includes parts of Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, has for many years faced challenges related to cattle rustling, banditry, competition over scarce resources, and periodic ethnic tensions. These conflicts have often resulted in loss of life, displacement of families, and disruption of livelihoods.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop John Mbinda emphasised that peace is founded on justice and reconciliation. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, solidarity, reconciliation, and mutual respect,” he said, urging communities to reject violence and work together in building a future founded on dialogue and cooperation.
Embrace cultural encounter
Bishop Cleophas Oseso reflected on the Church’s social teaching, reminding the faithful that every person possesses inherent dignity because all are created in the image and likeness of God.
Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Bishop Oseso encouraged communities to embrace a culture of encounter and fraternity, emphasising that dialogue remains the path toward lasting peace. He also recalled the teaching of Saint John XXIII in Pacem in Terris, which identifies truth, justice, love, and freedom as the foundations of peace.
“The Word of God continually calls us to be peacemakers,” the bishop said, citing Christ’s words in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Towards reconciliation and co-existence
Reject revenge attacks
For his part, Bishop Henry Juma Odonya appealed to local communities to reject cattle rustling, banditry, revenge attacks, and all forms of violence that continue to undermine development and social harmony.
He called on parents, elders, and community leaders to guide young people toward peaceful and productive livelihoods while protecting the most vulnerable members of society, especially women and children who often bear the greatest burden during periods of conflict.
Northrift dioceses for peace and co-habitation
Instruments of peace
The bishops also commended the efforts of religious leaders, elders, security agencies, government authorities, and civil society organizations working to restore stability and foster reconciliation in the region.
On behalf of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to accompanying communities on the path of reconciliation, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence.
The celebration concluded with prayers for peace in Kenya and across the region. Echoing the words of Christ in the Gospel of John, the bishops encouraged the faithful to become instruments of peace in their homes and communities: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27).
As Kenya prepares for future electoral processes, the Church continues to encourage dialogue, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to the common good as essential pillars for lasting peace and national unity.
