‘Prick the conscience of those who make decisions’, says Bishop Willybard Lagho.

By Sr. Lydia Okanga – LCMC

The Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC) has continued to empower citizens of Malindi Diocese with practical knowledge on Kenya’s budgeting process, devolution, and the fight against corruption. In a training organized in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, LCMC brought together clergy, religious, and members of the Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD) to strengthen their role in holding leaders accountable.

Rt. Rev. Willybard Lagho, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi addressing CJPD members on combating corruption

Speaking at the forum, Rt. Rev. Willybard Lagho, Bishop of Malindi, issued a bold call for integrity in public life. “Corruption begins with you and me, so we must find ways of pricking the conscience of those who make decisions,” he said. The bishop further emphasized that while individuals must resist corrupt practices, the government has a duty to set up strong monitoring systems in procurement processes. He urged the Church and Catholic groups to ensure leaders are accountable to the people.

The bishop acknowledged that it is really challenging to address corruption in our environments but expressed hope that if conscience is awakened we can overcome it gradually.

LCMC facilitators anchored the training on Catholic social teaching and practical civic education. Rev. Fr. Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ, reminded participants that faith should remain at the centre of the efforts to promote justice, while Denson Machuki broke down the actual cost of corruption illustrating what one billion shillings could achieve if properly spent on health, education, and infrastructure. He also introduced the “fraud triangle,” explaining how pressure and opportunity, fuel corrupt practices.

Fr. Dr. Odomaro leads the participants through the Catholic Social Teaching during the training in Malindi

Kilifi County Budget Facilitator Eric Karisa Mgoja urged participants to actively engage in the budget process at the county level. He warned that the national government’s bid to centralize tax collection could undermine devolution and weaken fiscal autonomy. Highlighting key stages of the budget cycle from budget formulation to budget oversight, he stressed the importance of citizen participation in planning documents such as the Annual Development Plan, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and Budget Estimates.

Mgoja commended LCMC for spearheading the initiative and challenged the clergy and the Church at large to lead the fight against divisive politics, negative ethnicity, and poor governance. “This is our agenda: to hold leaders accountable and choose those who can move us forward,” he said. “Devolution works best when leaders respect the Constitution and prioritize the people.”

The training underscored LCMC’s commitment to building an informed public, equipping the Malindi Diocese to take decisive steps in combating corruption, particularly in critical areas such as the procurement of medical supplies.