Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Obanyi of Kakamega Diocese to serve as the acting bishop of Eldoret Diocese following leadership changes in the Catholic Church hierarchy.
The appointment follows the elevation of Bishop Dominic Kimengich by Pope Leo XIV to serve as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, a move that paves the way for him to assume full leadership upon the retirement of Archbishop Martin Kivuva.
The Pope’s representative to Kenya, Archbishop Mathews Maria Van Megen, confirmed Bishop Obanyi will oversee administrative duties in Eldoret until a substantive bishop is appointed.
“We are looking for the new bishop to serve in Eldoret, but in the meantime we will have Bishop Obanyi to act as administrator,” he said.
Bishop Obanyi, born on March 10, 1967, was appointed bishop in December 2014 by Pope Francis.
His interim leadership comes at a time of transition for the Eldoret Diocese following Bishop Kimengich’s departure after six years of service in the region.
Kimengich was formally received in Mombasa last Friday after his transfer and will serve under Archbishop Kivuva until the latter retires.
His send-off in Eldoret was marked by a thanksgiving ceremony attended by North Rift leaders, including Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, among others.
Leaders praised his role in promoting peace and unity in the region, particularly in the Kerio Valley, where insecurity has remained a concern.
Kimengich expressed gratitude for his time in Eldoret, saying he had enjoyed working closely with the community and clergy.
“Once the Holy Father appoints, I have to accept. Even though I was getting used to Eldoret, I thank God for this opportunity to serve in Mombasa,” he said.
He called for prayers as he takes up his new assignment and expressed confidence that Eldoret would eventually receive a new bishop to continue the work of the diocese.
Beyond church leadership, Bishop Kimengich has also been vocal on national issues, recently warning against rising political violence and the use of organised goons ahead of the 2027 general election.
He urged state institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process, cautioning against intimidation and violence in politics.
“This is not the Kenya we want. Leadership is about choice, not force,” he said, calling for respect for constitutional freedoms and peaceful participation in elections.
