KENYA: Prayerful Discernment Leads to Over 50 Priests for Newly Created Kapsabet Diocese
Bishop Lelei
By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
After weeks of prayer and discernment by the clergy of Eldoret Diocese regarding their decision to transfer to the newly created Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet or stay in Eldoret, over 50 priests are now ready to start their pastoral work in the new Diocese.
In an interview with Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei, the pioneer Bishop of the new Diocese, who will be installed on Saturday, August 30, “53 diocesan priests have committed themselves to serve in Kapsabet, and there are eight other missionaries.”
The new ecclesiastical territory was carved out of the Eldoret Diocese by the Holy See on July 10, where Bishop Lelei has been serving as the Auxiliary Bishop since March 2024.
The founding Bishop stated in an interview with AMECEA Online that the discernment period ended at the end of July, and “By the very fact that the priests have chosen to be in Kapsabet, they are automatically incardinated. Their formal pledge of allegiance will therefore take place during the installation ceremony on Saturday, August 30.”
While Bishop Lelei welcomed the new clergy with gratitude, he admitted that more hands would still be needed in the years ahead. “This is a good number, I cannot complain. I wish I had more, but this is okay.”
Eldoret Diocese, which covers two counties, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet, unlike Kapsabet, which covers Nandi county, retains about 117 priests, which Bishop Lelei said, in case of need in his diocese, he will reach out for help.
Looking ahead, the bishop outlined his vision for the young diocese, highlighting the need to deepen the faith of Christians through ongoing spiritual renewal, building pastoral infrastructure while fostering unity with other Christian communities in an ecumenical spirit.
He further emphasised collaborating with the government and partners to enhance development initiatives that uplift the lives of the faithful.
The bishop also acknowledged the presence of several religious congregations already serving in the region, noting that their role will be crucial in shaping the life of the new diocese.
As Kapsabet prepares for Saturday’s historic event, Bishop Lelei begins his journey with trust in God’s providence and the collective commitment of priests, Christians, and all people of goodwill.
