President William Ruto on Saturday, January 21, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Bishop of Kitale Catholic Diocese.
While addressing congregants during the installation of Rev. Fr. Henry Juma Odonya as the new Bishop of Kitale Catholic Diocese, the Head of State noted that the now-retired Bishop Crowley reprimanded and advised him on a number of occasions.
Ruto acknowledged the role that Bishop Maurice Anthony Crowley played in his political life, especially, his advice and endorsements during the last election.
The Head of State noted that Bishop Crowley was very instrumental in providing the necessary support during his campaigns.
"We will not allow you (Bishop Crowley) to go and retire in a place of minus nineteen-degree celsius.
"You are going to stay here with us, and I would like to request the Church to allow us to have Bishop Crowley stay with us in his retirement," President Ruto pleaded.
Ruto also noted that Bishop Crowley is a great advisor whose role in society is still needed and will be used to help the country.
In his remarks, the Head of State recalled how Bishop Crowley endorsed him during the August 2022 General Election.
"With somebody of the stature of Crowley, what did you expect?" Ruto asked in relation to the Bishop helping him win the elections. Ruto also added that the Bishop has been a father figure to many politicians in the country.
At the same time, the Head of State revealed the timely mobile phone text messages that he received from the Kitale's outgoing Bishop Maurice Anthony Crowley.
Ruto told Catholic faithful that Bishop Crowley was thorough and disciplined in his responsibility to disciple Church members, including himself.
"You are stepping into the shoes of a great man. Crowley is a giant of the faith. I cherish the many moments when I said the not-so-correct things and I always found a message on my phone from you," Ruto told the congregants.
Bishop Crowley's pieces of advice to President Ruto were both direct and stunning at a time when the country was seriously tense.
"I value the many moments that when was low, I found a message on my phone and you encouraged me.
"I value the many times you put a call to me, and you always referred to me as William. Now that you are not a Bishop, I will ask you why you never referred to me as honourable but William," the president expressed on a light note.
The new Bishop of Kitale Catholic Diocese was ordained and installed by Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Van Megen Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, the outgoing Bishop Crowley, and Bishop Dominic Kimengich.
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