Catholic priest suspended for rapping in church

A catholic priest in Kenya has been suspended for misconduct after rapping in church. Fr Paul Ogalo had been using rap music to attract youths to Church and spread messages against drugs and in favour of social justice issues. After Mass, Fr Ogalo would change from his vestments into a white shirt, black shorts, and a red bandana, begin to rap for the congregation, who danced along to the music.

 “We need to take care of the interests of youths in our churches,” he said. “We need to change the way we do things.”

 Church youth leader Violet Menya said not only do many young people come to church because of the rap music, they keep coming back.

 “We are happy that his style of preaching is attracting many youths to church. He has mentored very many youths to leave … drug abuse and embrace farming, business and other activities,” Menya said.

Benard Oketch, a 28-year-old member of the congregation said he will stop attending church because of the priest’s suspension. 

“Fr Paul has been our mentor. He uses the language youths understand,” Oketch said.

 “[Fr Ogalo] has saved thousands of youths” from drug abuse. However, the bishops of the diocese have rejected these practices, saying they are against Church doctrine.