Bishop Kamomoe Condemns Witima Church Attack, Warns Leaders Against Desecrating Places of Worship

By Andrew Mbuva 

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote, Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe, has strongly condemned the recent attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, describing it as a troubling sign of moral decay and disrespect for sacred spaces in the country.

Speaking on Sunday during the Day of the Consecrated Life celebrations at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Wote, Bishop Kamomoe said the incident reflects a deeper “darkness” not only in Kenya but in the wider world, where even places dedicated solely to divine worship are no longer respected.

“It is unfortunate that we have reached a point where consecrated places of worship are disrespected and discredited,” the Bishop said. “These are spaces set apart and dedicated to God himself, not for political or personal interests.”

Referring to the events at Witima ACK Church, Bishop Kamomoe noted that such acts raise serious questions about the values and integrity of some leaders in the country. He called on Kenyans to respond not with anger, but with prayer, urging that leaders be enlightened to recognize the sanctity of churches and other worship spaces.

“We pray for our leaders so that Christ, who is the light of the world, may enlighten their minds,” he said. “Many claim to believe in God, but if they truly do, then they must also respect and protect the dignity and sacredness of places where God is worshipped.”

The Bishop warned against the use of churches and sanctuaries for political or non-religious activities, emphasizing that such actions amount to desecration. He reiterated the Catholic Church’s long-standing position that consecrated spaces must be used strictly for divine worship.

“As the Catholic Church, we have maintained—and we will continue to maintain—that our places of worship are not venues for political or other activities,” Bishop Kamomoe stated. “Those who wish to engage in politics or other events have fields, halls, and public spaces. Churches are consecrated altars and must be approached with reverence.”

He added that even bishops and clergy themselves treat the sanctuary with utmost respect, noting that this should serve as an example to all, especially leaders who profess faith in God.

Bishop Kamomoe concluded by calling for collective responsibility in safeguarding the sanctity of places of worship across all denominations, urging leaders and citizens alike to honor and defend spaces dedicated to God.

“The worst thing we can do as a society is to desecrate what has been consecrated,” he said. “Our response must be prayer, respect, and a firm stand in protecting the holiness of our places of worship.”