Popular Catholic Bishop Dies

by Vincent Kejitan on Tuesday, 21 August 2018 - 7:30 pm

Eldoret Catholic Bishop Cornelius Korir is dead.

Korir died at Moi Teaching and Referral hospital on Monday morning.

The 67-year-old Bishop died while receiving treatment after a short illness.

[caption caption="The Late Bishop Cornelius Korir"][/caption]

President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in condoling with the condoling with the family, describing the Korir as 'a great religious leader whose exemplary service calls for emulation by others.'

Prior to his death, Bishop Korir was quite vocal in matters related to politics, constantly preaching peace and reconciliation.

In September, the Bishop called out on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to resolve its internal disputes to deliver credible polls.

He also warned them of finger-pointing, asking them to focus more on overseeing an election with minimal hitches.

Korir was also passionate about patients in hospitals and in August came out to call an end to the nurse's strike that had crippled the health sector.

The late Korir called on the government of Kenya to dialogue with the country's nurses to end their strike action.

“It is time you talked to each other to end this nurses' strike in our country.

Kenyans are dying in hospitals because there is no one to attend to them,” he was quoted.

The Council of Governors also issued a statement on Monday, lauding the Bishop as a 'local and national peacemaker.'

The Governors praised his efforts of promoting harmony among warring pastoralist communities and conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased.

His demise is a massive blow to the Catholic church as he was one of the long-serving Bishops in Kenya, having served for almost 27 years.

May his soul rest in peace.

[caption caption="Bishop Korir With President Uhuru Kenyatta, DP William Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta"][/caption]