Eldoret: Catholic Church Launches Multi-Institution Chaplaincy, Bishop Warns Against Political Intolerance
The launch marks a crucial development for holistic education because it links academic studies with spiritual and moral development for young students.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Catholic Church has established a multi-institution chaplaincy in Eldoret to enhance spiritual guidance and moral education for students at essential educational facilities.
The St. Leo Chaplaincy initiative started at Eldoret National Polytechnic to establish a system of chaplaincy services which will extend across multiple educational institutions in the town including RVTTI and Moi University School of Medicine and Mount Kenya University and Kenya Medical Training College.
Chief Principal Dr. Koech Charles explained during the inauguration that the program provides students with complete support which extends beyond their academic requirements.
“The St. Leo Chaplaincy inauguration takes place in Eldoret to establish multiple institutional connections. This initiative will help shape our youth so that as they pursue their studies, they are also well grounded spiritually,” he said.
Dr. Koech praised the Church for its ongoing work in developing young individuals because he believes these partnerships create responsible citizens who will benefit society.
Bishop Dominic Kimengich presided over the event which presented the chaplaincy as a groundbreaking spiritual framework that unites approximately 15 organizations under one religious system.
“This initiative enables us to guide young individuals through their academic journey by providing them with spiritual support and essential development resources,” said Bishop Kimengich.
The chaplaincy will provide students spiritual nourishment through Mass and other pastoral programmes while helping students overcome personal and academic difficulties according to his explanation.
The bishop expressed his worries about increasing political intolerance and violence which he observed during the approaching election period. He described the situation as dangerous and demanded that authorities take immediate action.
“This is a very worrying trend. We are seeing violence and intolerance even before elections. This goes against the dignity and rights of every person,” he said.
He requested that political leaders and citizens practice peaceful coexistence because democracy requires citizens to make their choices freely instead of being forced to choose.
“Political activities should not dominate all aspects of our existence. We should not see politics as the most essential thing in our lives. Kenyans should choose their leaders freely without coercion, intimidation or bribery,” he added.
Student leadership also welcomed the initiative, terming it a major step in uniting institutions and strengthening youth engagement. St. Leo Chaplaincy chairperson Geoffrey Odhiambo King expressed gratitude to both the Church and institutional leadership for their backing of the program.
He mentioned that the chaplaincy unites multiple institutions which enables students in Eldoret to experience spiritual development and mentorship and teamwork.
The launch marks a crucial development for holistic education because it links academic studies with spiritual and moral development for young students.
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