Church not to blame for rise in corruption, says Catholic bishop Peter Kairo

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Peter Kairo blesses faithful during Palm Sunday celebrations in Nyeri Town on March 29, 2015. He said the church has been and will continue teaching the need to have good morals in all people including leaders. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Archbishop Peter Kairo of Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese said the church has been and will continue teaching the need to have good morals in all people including leaders.
• The Archbishop said issues of corruption which have rocked the country should come to an end, saying that people should seek God’s forgiveness and purify themselves.
• He applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move directing that all public and State officers mentioned in corruption cases to step aside as the right direction in moving the country forward.
• Archbishop Kairo urged the faithful to pray for the country and all leaders noting that the corruption had slowed down development and affected the reputation of the country.

By JAMES NGUNJIRI
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A Catholic bishop has refuted claims that the church has failed to instil good morals in Kenyans leaders.

Speaking during celebrations to mark Palm Sunday in Nyeri, Archbishop Peter Kairo of Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese said the church has been and will continue teaching the need to have good morals in all people including leaders.

“The church is not to blame for the rising cases of corruption in the country,” said Archbishop Kairo.

The Archbishop said issues of corruption which have rocked the country should come to an end, saying that people should seek God’s forgiveness and purify themselves.

“We pray for all Kenyans that during this week when we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that the Lord will bless all of us since Christ died for our sins such as sins of corruption, killings and even bribery,” he said.

Archbishop Kairo said the church will be praying for all Kenyans so that they may use talents that God has given them to build the country.

He applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move directing that all public and State officers mentioned in corruption cases to step aside as the right direction in moving the country forward.

During the Palm Sunday procession which started at Consolata Primary School in Nyeri Town, hundreds of faithful marched along the streets waving palm fronds to symbolise the triumphantl entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

At the same time, Archbishop Kairo urged the faithful to pray for the country and all leaders noting that the corruption had slowed down development and affected the reputation of the country as a whole.

The Archbishop also urged the Catholic faithful to donate generously towards the beatification ceremony of Sister Irene Stefani scheduled for May 23, 2015 in Nyeri, saying that this will be a big church event with international impact.