Nairobi: The Catholic Church in Makueni on Saturday officially installed Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Wote Diocese. Bishop Kamomoe, formerly an Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi Archdiocese, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on July 5, 2025, to serve in Kenya's newest Catholic diocese, erected in July 2023. He will assist Bishop Paul Kariuki, who has been unwell in recent months. Kariuki has led the diocese since its establishment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the installation ceremony, held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Wote town, was presided over by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi. Addressing the faithful, Archbishop Anyolo urged Christians in the diocese to rally behind Bishop Kamomoe to ensure the growth of the young diocese. 'It is important for you to be united and collaborate as Christians. This is critical for the development of this new diocese,' he said.
In his maiden address, Bishop Kamomoe thanked the congregation for the warm welcome and promised to serve with humility. He urged priests and the faithful to walk with him in advancing the mission of the church. 'Your presence here today gives me great hope. Together we shall walk this journey of faith and hope, serving God with enthusiasm and unity,' he said.
The new auxiliary bishop also commended the partnership between the church and political leaders, noting their shared responsibility in uplifting communities. 'I acknowledge and thank our political leaders for their readiness to work with the church for the good of the people of Wote Diocese and the country. The church and political class share a common duty to uphold human dignity, promote peace, and foster human development,' Kamomoe said.
Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri called on the faithful to continue praying for Bishop Kariuki's recovery. 'We ask God to restore his health so he may resume his service to the people of Wote,' he said. Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., accompanied by his wife, Anita, welcomed Bishop Kamomoe and pledged to collaborate with him through faith-based institutions such as schools and hospitals.
'We are very lucky to have an Auxiliary Bishop to assist Bishop Kariuki. Many stalled church programmes will now come back to life,' said Mutula. He praised Bishop Kariuki's dedication, describing his absence as a difficult period for the county. Bishop Norman Wambua of Machakos encouraged Bishop Kamomoe to use his pastoral calling to strengthen the church as the foundation of family and community life.
The colourful ceremony drew a wide array of leaders and clergy, including Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, and Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa, among others. With Bishop Kamomoe's installation, the Wote Diocese now looks to a future of renewed strength and leadership, even as prayers continue for the recovery of Bishop Kariuki.