Pope Leo appoints Bishop Dominic Kimengich assistant Archbishop of Mombasa

Bishop Dominic Kimengich./FILE

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, was appointed as the Coadjutor (assistant) Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa. 

The appointment was officially announced on January 28, 2026, marking a significant pastoral transition for one of Kenya’s metropolitan sees. 

 As Coadjutor Archbishop, he will assist the Archbishop of Mombasa in the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese and, in accordance with canon law, holds the right of succession upon the vacancy of the metropolitan see. This appointment ensures continuity of leadership and strengthens the Church’s pastoral mission along the Kenyan Coast.

Bishop Kimengich was born in 1961 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nakuru on 14 September 1986. Over the years, he has rendered dedicated service to the Church through diverse pastoral, administrative, and formational roles.

His priestly ministry includes parish assignments, leadership in priestly formation as Rector of St. Joseph Junior Seminary, Molo, and service as Vicar General of the Diocese of Nakuru. 

He later served as Rector of St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary, Tindinyo, where he played a key role in the formation of future priests.

Bishop Kimengich also worked at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in Nairobi, offering canonical and legal expertise, particularly in strengthening ecclesiastical tribunals and promoting sound Church governance.

On March, 2, 2010, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar and Titular Bishop of Tanaramusa, receiving episcopal ordination on 22 May 2010. Pope Benedict XVI subsequently appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Lodwar on 5 March 2011, and he was installed on 30 March 2011.

In November 2019, he was transferred to the Diocese of Eldoret, where he has faithfully shepherded the people of God with a strong emphasis on evangelisation, pastoral accompaniment, and prudent administration.

The Archdiocese of Mombasa, a historic cradle of Christianity in East Africa, continues to play a strategic role in evangelisation, interreligious dialogue, and social justice along the Coast region. Bishop Kimengich’s appointment brings with it a wealth of pastoral experience and ecclesial insight to support this mission.

“The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) warmly welcomes this appointment and invites all the faithful to keep Bishop Dominic Kimengich, the Archdiocese of Mombasa, and the Church in Kenya in prayer as he prepares to assume this new pastoral responsibility in the service of God’s people”, said a statement from the church.

Bishop Kimengich has played a crucial role in peace and reconciliation in the North Rift region, especially in counties affected by banditry. He is an open-minded clergyman who often speaks out on key national issues.

Apart from speaking out on insecurity in Kerio Valley, he has also made efforts to fight for access to education for children from less fortunate families.

He has also stood for the strengthening of Catholic sponsered institutions in the region. The Pope will appoint a new bishop to replace Kimengich in Eldoret.