Newly appointed Kitui Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Mwongela on Thursday said he will champion holiness to fight corruption.
“We need to focus on growth in holiness by all because we see the effects of corruption in the country. I shall seek to influence people through exhortation and encouragement rather than condemnation,” the prelate said in a statement following his Tuesday appointment as the fourth Bishop of Kitui by Pope Francis.
Mwongela said Kenyans should be encouraged to gradually change their ways for a common goal.
He pledged to serve all with magnanimity without fear or discrimination.
He said his appointment came as a surprise "as being the diocesan vicar general, I was grooming myself to serve under whoever would be appointed".
The 52-year-old said, “I feel honoured by the Holy Father and I promise to work faithfully among the people of God entrusted to my care.”
Mwongela said he was on familiar grounds having been born in Kitui and promised to serve to his utmost ability.
The bishopric was until April 23, 2017, under Anthony Muheria who was transferred to Nyeri as the archbishop.
The appointee was grateful to Muheria for promising to support him.
“Our priests, sisters and brothers have promised me their support as well as the Christians of Kitui and beyond plus people of goodwill. I feel loved and supported."
