𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐓.𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑’𝐒 𝐌𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇.

H.E. Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa today joined the Catholic faithful at St. Peter’s Mumias Catholic Church for the official opening and blessing of major church development projects presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi. The ceremony marked the commissioning of the newly constructed Priests’ House, the Grotto, Pavilion, the Catholic Women Association (CWA) Church Bus, and the Main Gate, reflecting the Church’s continued commitment to spiritual growth, community service, and institutional development.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Barasa commended the Catholic Church for its immense contribution to promoting moral values, peaceful coexistence, quality education, healthcare, and social transformation. He noted that faith-based institutions remain indispensable partners in complementing government efforts to foster inclusive development, strengthen families, and nurture responsible citizens across Kakamega County.

Governor Barasa urged students to shun school unrest, embrace discipline and dialogue whenever challenges arise, and remain focused on their studies, as schools reopen after the half-term break. He observed that acts of indiscipline and the destruction of school property undermine the education sector, disrupt learning, and place an unnecessary burden on parents and communities. He encouraged learners to make responsible choices that will enable them to achieve their academic goals and build a brighter future.

Governor Barasa reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with religious institutions in promoting social cohesion, supporting vulnerable members of society, and accelerating sustainable development. He congratulated the Parish Priest, Fr. Ian Kafuna, the parish leadership, and the faithful of St. Peter’s Mumias Catholic Church for successfully delivering the transformative projects through unity, sacrifice, and collective commitment. During his sermon, Bishop Joseph Obanyi called on Christians to uphold moral values, remain steadfast in faith, and continue praying for peace, unity, and harmony in the country.

The event was also attended by the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Mumias, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Wandera, MCAs led by Majority Leader Hon. Philip Maina, area MCA Hon. Ali Okomba, Members of the County Executives among other dignitaries.