Bishop John Lelei has been installed as the first head of the newly established Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet.
President William Ruto, who was among several dignitaries present at the ceremony held at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet, Nandi County, pledged his support and goodwill.
“Be guided by the word of God in Proverbs 3:5-6 in your pastoral role and keep serving the congregants with love, dedication and wisdom. You have our support, goodwill and co-operation”, he said.
The holy mass was part of three-day festivities that began on Friday, August 29, with a grand procession and vigil prayers at Kapsabet Catholic Church. Choirs, youth groups, and women’s guilds led praise and worship sessions as thousands gathered to spiritually prepare for the ordination.
The second day, today Saturday, August 30, was the highlight, when Bishop Lelei was ordained and officially installed during a solemn Holy Mass at Eliud Kipchoge Sports complex in Kapsabet town.
The mass was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Hurbertus Maria van Megen, alongside the Archbishop of Eldoret Rev. Dominic Kimengich and bishops from across the country.
The event has attracted thousands of Christians, clergy and leaders.
In his maiden speech, Bishop Lelei thanked the President, the faithful, and the clergy for making the auspicious occasion possible, and urged them to work together to grow the diocese.
“I still need your help and counsel on this journey. We cannot continue celebrating; we need to ask ourselves what we should do as a diocese. We need to enhance and deepen the faith of our people. We need to confirm what they believe and show them the way. This is our call as clergy. We must work together. We will also build infrastructure like a secretariat, a cathedral, a training centre, among others. Expansion is key”, he said.
On Sunday, August 31, the faithful will conclude the celebrations with a thanksgiving service and cultural extravaganza, featuring traditional Nandi dances, youth choirs, and musical performances at St. Peter’s Catholic church in Kapsabet town.
Erected by Pope Leo XIV on July 10, 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet is Kenya’s 28th Episcopal See, carved from the Eldoret Diocese. It encompasses Ndalat, Kaiboi, Chepterit, Ol’ Lessos, Nandi Hills and Kobujoi Deaneries.
