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The Judicial Office (Ecclesiastical Tribunal)
The Diocesan Tribunal of the First Instance of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui.
The Diocesan Tribunal
By the Authority of the Apostolic Signatura, the Catholic Diocese of Kitui was granted its own Diocesan Tribunal of the First Instance in February 2026.
Established by decree, this tribunal is a formal administrative and pastoral arm of the Church. It exercises judicial power under the authority of the Bishop to uphold justice, protect the rights of the faithful, and offer pastoral healing in legal and sacramental matters.
Our primary responsibilities
Marriage Nullity Cases
Reviewing petitions and investigating marital situations to determine whether a valid, sacramental bond was formed from the beginning of the marriage.
Vindication of Rights
Ensuring that the canonical rights of all clergy, religious, and lay faithful within the diocese are protected and upheld.
Administrative and Penal Matters
Providing legal guidance on diocesan administrative issues and applying Church law to disciplinary matters according to canonical norms.
The tribunal team
The tribunal operates through a dedicated team of canon lawyers and officials appointed to serve the Diocese of Kitui:
- Judicial Vicar (Officialis)
- Defender of the Bond
- Promoter of Justice
- Tribunal Judges
The Metropolitan Tribunal of Nairobi serves as the Tribunal of the Second Instance (appellate court) for cases judged within the Kitui Diocesan Tribunal.