President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto joined thousands of Kenyans in celebrating the installation of newly appointed bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret on Saturday, February 1.
At the event, Ruto gifted Kimengich a new Toyota Landcruiser, courtesy of a contribution from himself, the head of state, Christians from Eldoret Diocese, friends of the diocese and other leaders.
"The car is a gift to the bishop. I would like to join other Kenyans in welcoming the bishop to this region as we look forward to developing this region. We look at you as a bridge between us and God. We believe that you will work more efficiently and zealous as you did at Lodwar. We shall all hold hands to unite Rift Valley and Kenya," Ruto asserted.
He further disclosed that he had joined Christians from the region in securing a home for the clergy.
"We have set apart a five-hectare piece of land to build a clergy house to host over 200 clergies who are approaching retirement. We in politics have a timeline, we work per terms but we know that you are the ones aiding us in our journey to heaven. We ask you to pray for us to govern well against corruption and blackmail," Ruto proclaimed.
The DP also read Kenyatta's speech since he was unable to attend because of official duties in Kirinyaga and was being hosted by Governor Anne Waiguru.
"It is with a joyous heart that we join the bishop today for his installation. Today you honour a call to bring more children to Christ. This remarkable journey is for a man who was ordained as a bishop 30 years ago.
Our nation is one that is dedicated to God and I look forward to working with you and the church. Your installation into a more cosmopolitan church comes at a time when Kenyans should be brought together.
We are doing it through the BBI process and the outcome of this endeavour is a more harmonious Kenya. I wish to reassure the church and all Christians gathered here today that the government shall continue to uplift the education, health and all other sectors. I wish you all the best in your leadership," part of Kenyatta's speech read.
Other leaders at the function included Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Stephen Sang (Nandi), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Stanley Kiptis (Baringo) and CSs John Munyes (Mining) and Charles Keter (Energy) and host MP Mishra Kiprop (Kesses).
"The bishop is a man of valour; pure of heart, down to earth and a venerated servant of humanity. He has advanced the cause of the Lord on earth, and the people of Baringo County are elated to have him as their son.
"We celebrate his meteoric rise within the ranks and files of the Catholic cadre. Now that he is officially the shepherd of the Catholic faithful of Eldoret Diocese, we pray that the wisdom of the Lord and favour envelopes him," Gideon Moi stated.
Kimengich was appointed by His Holiness Pope Francis in November 2019, after the position fell vacant on October 30, 2017, following the death of Rt. Reverend Cornelius Korir.
According to media reports, the news of Bishop Kimengich's appointment was officially made public in Rome on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at noon.
On Friday, January 31, Kimengich made a grand entry in Eldoret after he was officially handed over to the Diocese from Turkana, where he worked as the bishop of Lodwar Diocese since 2011.
“The church will not discriminate anybody. We will work with everybody so that the church moves forward. I thank the people of Lodwar for welcoming and working with me in peace efforts when I served in Turkana,” the cleric asserted.
