Kenyan Catholic Bishop Remembers Fr. John Kaiser, Murdered 25 Years Ago, as “moral conscience” of Church, Nation

He was a critic of President Daniel Moi's administration, and once testified before a commission, accusing the government of fuelling the 1991-1993 ethnic violence in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province.

The native of Minnesota State in the U.S., who was 72 at the time, died five months after having received the Law Society of Kenya's annual Human Rights Award for demonstrating courage, determination, and sacrifice on behalf of the weak, oppressed, and downtrodden.

Fr. Kaiser had been ordained a MHM Priest in 1964 and commissioned to Kenya, where he ministered in the country’s Dioceses of Kisii and Nakuru before proceeding to Ngong’.

In his speech, Bishop Kamomoe said, “As we mark 25 years since Fr. Kaiser's death, let us recommit ourselves to his vision: a Kenya where truth is spoken without fear, where human dignity is respected, and where peace is founded on justice.”

He used the occasion to remember Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett, the member of the Clergy of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, who “was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants” while returning from Holy Mass at a Small Christian Community (SCC) in his Parish on May 22.

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Fr. Kaiser, Fr. Bett, and others who died in similar circumstances, Bishop Kamomoe said, are shining examples and remain role models for contemporary society.

“Even though they were not killed for what they stood for, they remain symbols of courage in the fight against dictatorship, corruption, and abuse of human rights,” he said.

The struggle for justice did not end with them, Bishop Kamomoe said, and explained, “Today, we are seeing a new wave of young Kenyans - popularly known as Gen Zs - stepping into the public square, demanding good governance, an end to corruption, and respect for human dignity.”

Some youths have already lost their lives following the protests that rocked the East African nation last year and this year, he recalled, adding, “We remember all those who have recently been abducted or disappeared mysteriously for speaking truth to power. Their courage reminds us that the cry for justice transcends generations.”

“Their sacrifice challenges us to keep the flame of truth alive,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said. According to him, the “lives of these brave men and women, both past and present, place before us a sacred duty. We cannot afford to be indifferent in the face of injustice.”

“We cannot allow corruption, abuse of human rights, and disregard for human dignity and life to become the norm in our country,” he said, and continued, “As people of faith and good will, we must rise to defend the truth, to uphold integrity in leadership, and to stand firmly for the poor and the oppressed.”

“Let us continue the fight - not with hatred or violence, but with unwavering commitment to the Gospel, with peaceful courage, and with the conviction that justice and peace are not mere dreams but the will of God for His people,” Bishop Kamomoe emphasized.

He implored, “May the memory of Fr. Kaiser and all who have walked this path inspire us to keep going, even when the road is rough. And may the God of justice and peace give us the grace to be faithful witnesses in our time.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.