Kenyan bishop tells absent fathers to support their children and pay school fees

Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma called on Kenyans to take up their responsibilities as parents, practice humility and reject greed to build peace in their families. He spoke on October 3, 2026 at the National Day of Prayer held at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Kenya. His homily took the theme "Becoming Peacemakers," and he said love and dialogue are needed when conflicts arise.

Humility as the foundation of peace

"To bring peace, we need humility. We must be humble to achieve peace anywhere. That is how God wants it done," Kadima said. He added that "if you are humble, you will be approachable, you will be trusted, you will listen to advice and therefore you will be able to bring peace."

Speaking to Catholic men, Kadima urged fathers to take responsibility for their children and warned that neglect causes suffering and destroys peace at home. "You cannot be a father if you are not taking up your responsibility. Those who have fathered children and abandoned the women, go and pay your children's school fees," he said.

An appeal to absent fathers

Kadima also spoke about the hardships borne by single mothers and challenged absent fathers to change their conduct. He told them not to abandon their children, saying such behavior brings peace neither to the child, nor to the mother, nor to the father himself. "Do not abandon your children. We are tired of such behavior," he said.

Kadima has spoken regularly about peace and family responsibility since his episcopal ordination in February 2022.

Against violence and greed

The bishop criticized violence, insults and threats as responses to disagreement, and encouraged Kenyans to persevere in love. "You must be humble; you must keep loving, and through love you will become a successful leader," he said.

On greed, he encouraged the faithful to be content with what they have and to reject selfishness. "Be content; greed does not bring peace," he said, linking contentment to building a more just and peaceful society.

The Beatitudes as a guide

Kadima pointed to the Beatitudes as a basis for peace, asking Christians to attend to the needs of their neighbors rather than complain about difficult circumstances. "If you want peace, follow the Beatitudes," he said, adding: "Stop complaining about everything."