By Angatia Leonard 
St Peter’s Seminary Mukumu today held its annual Family Day celebration which coincided with the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, a significant feast in the Catholic Church commemorated every 29th of June. The day honors the martyrdom of the two apostles in Rome and was observed with a special Holy Mass at the seminary.
Across the world, this ancient Christian tradition is marked with liturgical services and prayers in remembrance of the contributions of Saints Peter and Paul, who are regarded as foundational figures in the early Church.
The Catholic Bishop of Kakamega Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, was the main celebrant during the Mass. In his sermon, he prayed for all souls and moved the congregation with reflections on the lives of the two martyrs, especially Saint Peter, who is seen as the rock upon which the Church was built.
Bishop Obanyi reminded the faithful that Peter and Paul remain symbols of the Church’s strength, comparing them to pillars and beams that hold the structure together even in the face of adversity. He urged Christians to continue embodying the virtues of Saint Peter in their daily lives and called on institutions including the government to embrace integrity and accountability as pathways to national progress.
“Let us help the Church stand firm on Peter’s foundation. I urge our young seminarians to remain focused and always strive to instill values and virtues that uplift others,” he said.
The Bishop also called on parents to take an active role in their children’s lives, especially during school breaks, by creating time for meaningful conversations that help shape their character and responsibility.
He commended priests for their dedication to preaching the Gospel and for their role in societal development following in the footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul.
Turning to national matters, the Bishop appealed to the government to respect citizens’ rights including freedom of speech and peaceful protest as provided in the Constitution. However, he condemned acts of destruction and lawlessness that have accompanied some protests, warning of the risk of losing the country’s peace and order.
“I am concerned about the direction we are taking as a nation. Are we inviting chaos? Something urgent must be done before we lose the peace we once enjoyed. We must address this greed and unwillingness to listen,” he remarked.
The Bishop also criticized political leaders who exploit the frustrations of unemployed youth, calling for responsible leadership and genuine efforts to address their plight. He warned against manipulating young people for selfish interests and urged the government to act decisively and justly.
“From the Bishop’s desk I plead with our leaders to stop abusing power. Do not stir unrest. Lead with integrity and take responsibility for your actions,” he prayed.
St Peter’s Seminary, founded in 1937, has a long-standing reputation for holistic formation including spiritual, intellectual, human, and talent development among young men preparing for priesthood. The institution has produced many priests, especially for the Diocese of Kakamega.
Beyond spiritual formation, the school is also known for its academic strength. Three years ago, it produced one of the top KCSE students nationally and consistently, over 90 percent of its candidates score C plus and above. It is also among the first institutions in the country to implement the Competency Based Curriculum and already hosts Grade 7 and 8, with preparations underway to accommodate Grades 9 and 10 next year.
According to the Rector, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ndondolo, the seminary has seen notable improvements in infrastructure but is seeking support to renovate the boarding section. Plans are in place to pave walkways from the main gate to the classrooms to address challenges during the rainy season when mud affects student routines.
“Our alumni are mobilizing resources to build a perimeter wall, a project we expect to begin in August. We are also grateful to our old boys who installed a solar power system which will be officially commissioned by the Bishop today. In just three months, we have saved nearly one point five million shillings in electricity costs,” said Fr. Ndondolo.
Previously burdened by high power bills, the school now enjoys stability after installing the solar system which cost four point five million shillings.
St Peter’s Seminary continues to thrive not only in academics and spiritual formation but also in extracurricular activities. The PETRA Journalism Club impressed guests with their fluent presentations and creative reporting on current affairs, adding a vibrant and youthful energy to the day’s celebration.
Dennis Weche
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