Kisii catholic diocese to recieve new Bishop

The Catholic Diocese of Kisii is preparing for a significant moment in its history, with the anticipated arrival of a new Coadjutor Bishop on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The development is expected to usher in a new chapter in the leadership and pastoral administration of the diocese, which has been under the spiritual guidance of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa since December 1994.

News of the expected arrival has generated interest among Catholic faithful, clergy and other members of the Christian community, with many looking forward to welcoming the incoming church leader.

A Coadjutor Bishop is a bishop appointed by the Pope to assist the serving diocesan bishop in overseeing the affairs of a diocese. Unlike an auxiliary bishop, a coadjutor has the special right of succession, meaning he automatically becomes the diocesan bishop when the current bishop’s office becomes vacant.

The appointment is therefore particularly significant for the Diocese of Kisii as Bishop Okemwa approaches the official Episcopal retirement age of 75, which he is expected to attain in approximately three years.

Although the anticipated arrival of the new Coadjutor Bishop marks an important development, Bishop Okemwa remains the serving Shepherd of the Diocese.

The Catholic Diocese of Kisii was established in 1960 after being carved out of the Diocese of Kisumu. Since its establishment, the diocese has been guided by several bishops who have played important roles in strengthening the Catholic faith and expanding pastoral activities across the region.

The first bishop to lead the newly established Diocese of Kisii was Maurice Michael Otunga, who served from May 21, 1960, to November 15, 1969.

Bishop Otunga later moved to Nairobi, where he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop before eventually becoming Archbishop of Nairobi. He later made history as Kenya’s first Cardinal.

Following his departure, Bishop Tiberius Charles Mugendi took over the leadership of the Diocese of Kisii on November 15, 1969, serving until December 17, 1993.

On December 19, 1994, Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa was appointed to lead the diocese, becoming its current bishop and spiritual shepherd.

Over the years, Bishop Okemwa has overseen the pastoral administration of the diocese, serving the Catholic faithful and guiding the Church’s evangelisation and development activities.

The anticipated arrival of a Coadjutor Bishop comes at an important period in the diocese’s history, as the Church prepares for the eventual transition in leadership.

The incoming bishop will have an opportunity to work alongside Bishop Okemwa, gaining familiarity with the diocese, its clergy, religious institutions and the communities under its pastoral care.

As the faithful await Friday’s anticipated arrival, Catholics have been encouraged to remember both Bishop Okemwa and the incoming Coadjutor Bishop in their prayers.

The occasion is not merely about welcoming a new church leader but also celebrating the continuity of the Catholic Church’s mission and its commitment to serving God’s people.

For the Diocese of Kisii, the anticipated arrival represents another important milestone in a history that stretches back more than six decades.

As preparations continue, the faithful look forward to welcoming the new bishop and embracing the next chapter in the spiritual journey of the diocese.