Bishop Kimengich accepts Pope's appointment

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Dominic Kimengich, has welcomed and accepted his appointment by Pope Leo XIV to serve as the Coadjutor (assistant) Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa.

Bishop Kimengich said he has enjoyed working in Eldoret for the last six years and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the people of Eldoret.

“Once the Holy Father appoints, I have to accept. Even though I was now getting used to Eldoret, I thank God for this opportunity to serve in Mombasa,” he said.

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He said that in Mombasa he will serve under Archbishop Martin Kivuva and will take over when Archbishop Kivuva retires.

“Mine is to ask for prayers as I take up the new assignment in Mombasa. It has been a very wonderful moment, a God-filled moment, because we have worked well with all the people of Eldoret,” he said.

Bishop Kimengich said he was grateful to God for the period he served in Eldoret, during which time the Pope also created the Diocese of Kapsabet, which was carved out of Eldoret.

He prayed that God would give the Diocese of Eldoret a new bishop who would serve the region. He said it may take time, but the Pope would appoint his replacement in Eldoret.

“For us, our calling is just like that of soldiers, and we move to serve anywhere whenever we are called upon to do so,” he said.

Bishop Kimengich’s 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 September 14, 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 May 22, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI subsequently appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Lodwar on March 5, 2011, and he was installed on March 30, 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 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 the 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-sponsored institutions in the region. The Pope will appoint a new bishop to replace Kimengich in Eldoret.