Author| Ginaba Lino|CRN
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei, Rt. Rev. Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of James Kariuki, a Kenyan civil engineer, who was shot dead while driving toward Koboko, Uganda.
The incident, believed to have been carried out by armed assailants, has drawn outrage and renewed calls for an end to violence against civilians.
Engineer Kariuki had been contracted by the Missionary Society of the Salesians of Don Bosco to reconstruct the Priests’ Residence at Holy Trinity Parish in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State. He was killed in an ambush on the road, a location where armed groups have previously been active.
Bishop Lodiong described the murder as senseless and emphasized that such attacks only worsen the grievances that drive conflict in South Sudan.
“Violent attacks on presumed targets—who are in fact innocent people—out of fear, anger, or a desire to loot, are purposeless. They do not solve the problems that disappoint or anger us,” the bishop stated in a press release.
The bishop said, “God is the ultimate witness, because the innocent blood of James Kariuki is crying to Him from the ground.”
According to Bishop Lodiong, local security forces believe that those responsible for the killing belong to armed opposition groups operating in the greater Yei area. However, as has often been the case in South Sudan, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Despite the tragedy, Bishop Lodiong reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to its mission in the region.
“The violent murder of Engineer James does not intimidate or threaten our pastoral and missionary work. We will continue to offer pastoral and social services to all people wherever they are, as much as our resources allow. This is our calling—following Christ’s example of serving others.”
He also issued a heartfelt appeal to all South Sudanese, especially those in armed groups:
“I appeal to my fellow South Sudanese—whether in opposition or government circles—violence against innocent civilians, whether nationals or foreigners, will not bring solutions. It only adds to the pain and suffering of our people.”
The bishop urged both the government and armed groups to pursue peace through dialogue and reason to address the nation’s ongoing political, social, and ethnic issues.
The Salesians of Don Bosco have been responsible for pastoral care at Holy Trinity Parish since 2014.
However, due to the 2016 conflict, they were forced to temporarily leave the parish. The reconstruction project was intended to facilitate their return and resume services to the local faithful.