The outgoing Lodwar Catholic diocese bishop Dominic Kimengich has urged the faithful to work towards self-reliance saying days of depending on donors to support the church projects are gone.
Speaking during the official opening of the bishop Mahoney memorial center in Kanamkemer, Lodwar, Bishop Kimengich said the church members need to own the church projects and support them.
The project has so far cost over Sh 100 million and the figure could rise by the time the project is fully completed.
The centre would draw income from rental space that would be leased to other organizations.
Already a number of non-governmental organizations have expressed interest in occupying space at the magnificent three storey building.
“We started the journey towards self-reliance and we are no longer going to depend on wazungus to fund our projects,” said Bishop Kimengich.
However, the Bishop who was the first African to head the diocese that was regarded as a missionary diocese said the church would welcome support from other partners but clarified that it was moving away from reliance on outside support.
At the same time, the bishop called on the county government to keep its part of the memorandum of understanding it had signed with the church to support various projects like water, health and education.
“As a church we are meeting our 50 percent obligations as stipulated in the MOU. We urge the county government to honour its part,” said Kimengich.
The Catholic Church has been championing worthy causes like education that have seen hundreds of county residents including senior politicians educated by the church.
It has also played a leading role in water provision by sinking boreholes, provision of healthcare through the numerous health facilities spread across the county and also defending human rights.
Last month the church launched the fight against graft campaign that saw staff under the diocese sign documents committing to eradicate corruption.
The event also marked the church family day where Sh 12. 9 million was raised to support the church parishes.
Speaking at the event, the Holy See ambassador and apostolic nuncio to Kenya Hubertus Matheus Maria Van Megan said the church has started the process of identifying a new bishop but urged the faithful to be patient.
“I am very happy at the work done by bishop Dominic Kimengich and hope he shall continue with the good work in Eldoret,” said the apostolic nuncio.
Hundreds of visitors from other diocese including friends of Lodwar Catholic diocese from Eldoret graced the occasion.
By Peter Gitonga
