Catholic Church in Kenya investigates rape claims against priest

The head of the Catholic Church in Kenya archbishop John Cardinal Njue on Wednesday said that investigation into alleged rape of a minor by a priest in Kisii in Nyanza province are underway.

Cardinal Njue says that stern action would be taken against the priest should he be found culpable adding that the church will not tolerate such misconduct that goes against the rights of children and vulnerable members of the community.

Cardinal Njue was speaking during a ceremony to mark the end of the church's' Year of the Priest at Holy Basilica in Nairobi where he also launched a handbook on disciplinary guidelines for priests in the country. He called on the clergy to adhere to the new rules.

Faithful turned up in large numbers to attend the mass intended to mark the end of the year of the priests that kicked off on June 19 last year during which the faithful were encouraged to pray for the priests to especially uphold the ideals of consecrated celibacy.

The Catholic Church has been in the limelight in the recent past following allegations of sexual abuses and other scandals two of which accuse the church's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a Vatican office that decides whether priests should be tried and defrocked, of ignoring abuse allegations against some priests.

Earlier this month Pope Benedict XVI asked for forgiveness from clerical abuse victims for the sins of priests and promised to "do everything possible" to ensure prelates don't rape or molest children ever again.

He said that in admitting men into the priesthood and in forming them as clergymen "we will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of their vocation and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey, so that the Lord will protect them and watch over them in troubled situations and amid life's dangers."

The Kisii priest is said to have defiled the minor after enticing her with bananas and oranges to take to her sick mother.

Cardinal Njue said the church would not defend anyone who went against the canon and civil laws to commit crimes of immorality against the vulnerable.

The Cardinal was however quick to exonerate the Catholic church from harsh criticism over claims of protecting priests accused of defiling minors, saying responsibility for such crimes should be borne by individuals and not the church as a whole.

He called for thorough investigations into such cases to protect those who might have been accused falsely.

SIC: KBC