The Catholic Church in Kenya is witnessing a historic chapter this weekend as Bishop John Lelei takes the helm of the newly created Diocese of Kapsabet.
The installation ceremony, officially sanctioned by Pope Leo XIV, is unfolding today, Saturday, August 30, at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet. Thousands of worshippers, clergy, and dignitaries have flocked to the town for the event, with President William Ruto among the high-profile leaders in attendance.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hurbertus Maria van Megen, is presiding over the solemn ordination Mass, joined by the Archbishop of Eldoret, Dominic Kimengich, and a host of bishops from across the country.
The celebrations, however, are more than a single-day affair. The faithful began their spiritual journey on Friday, August 29, with a vibrant procession and overnight vigil at Kapsabet Catholic Church. Youth groups, choirs, and women’s guilds led praise and worship, preparing the ground for today’s grand ordination.
Sunday, August 31, will cap the three-day festivities with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kapsabet, followed by a cultural extravaganza featuring traditional Nandi dances, youth choirs, and live performances a fusion of faith and heritage.
For the Catholic community, Bishop Lelei’s installation is not just about a new leader but also about the birth of a new spiritual home in Kapsabet, marking a milestone in the growth of the Church in Kenya.
