As learners across the country resume classes after the midterm break, Catholic Diocese of Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi has urged students to shun school unrest and embrace discipline, describing education as the foundation of a successful future.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mumias during the official opening of the parish priests’ residence, Bishop Obanyi expressed concern over the recent wave of school unrest that was witnessed in several learning institutions before the midterm break. The incidents resulted in the destruction of school property worth millions of shillings.
According to Bishop Obanyi, destroying school infrastructure is not only an attack on public investment but also a setback to the learners’ own academic progress and future aspirations.
“It is wrong for students to destroy facilities that have been built through huge financial sacrifices. By burning schools, they are destroying their own future. Education should remain their top priority,” he said.
Bishop Obanyi called on learners to return to school with a renewed commitment to their studies and urged them to channel their energy towards academic excellence rather than acts of indiscipline.
He also appealed to teachers, parents, religious leaders and other education stakeholders to work together in promoting peace, discipline and stability in schools. According to the bishop, character formation is as important as academic achievement, noting that responsible citizenship begins with instilling moral values in learners.
“Character formation should go hand in hand with academic development. Schools should produce not only intelligent students but also responsible and disciplined citizens,” he added.
The bishop made the remarks during a colourful ceremony attended by Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa.
During the event, Bishop Obanyi officially opened the new priests’ residence, blessed a parish bus donated by the Catholic Women Association (CWA), and dedicated the parish grotto.
St. Peter’s Mumias Parish continues to register remarkable growth and remains one of the vibrant parishes within the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, with the day’s event highlighting both spiritual development and the Church’s continued commitment to education, moral values and community development.
