Kenya: Bishops lead Inter-diocesan peace and reconciliation Mass

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.

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.

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."