Congratulations Pour in for Archbishop-Elect Joseph Obanyi

Kenyan leaders have extended their congratulations to Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi on his appointment as the first Archbishop of the newly established Archdiocese of Eldoret. Obanyi, who has been serving as the Bishop of Kakamega Diocese and Apostolic Administrator of Eldoret, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV. The President of Kenya wished him blessings and success in his new role, describing the appointment as an opportunity to strengthen the Church's contribution to the well-being of Christians within the Archdiocese of Eldoret and beyond.

The President also pledged his continued support for the Church, citing its role in building a united, inclusive, and prosperous nation. He expressed his desire to strengthen the partnership between the government and the Church in empowering communities, nurturing the next generation, and building a better future for all Kenyans. Several leaders have welcomed the elevation of Eldoret to a metropolitan archdiocese, describing it as a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and the faithful across the region.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Kenya, particularly in the western and north-western regions, where the Church has continued to expand its evangelising mission and pastoral presence. Archbishop-elect Obanyi was born in 1967 in Kebiro, in the Catholic Diocese of Kisii. He undertook his philosophical studies at St. Augustine Major Seminary, Mabanga, from 1990 to 1991, before proceeding to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Nairobi, where he studied Theology from 1992 to 1995.

Obanyi was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kisii on October 25, 1996. Following his ordination, he served as Parish Vicar and Diocesan Coordinator for Pastoral Care from 1996 to 1999. He later pursued further studies at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome from 1999 to 2004. Upon his return to Kenya, he was appointed Parish Priest of St. Charles Lwanga Cathedral Parish, Kisii, in 2004.

He subsequently served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Kisii from 2005. On December 5, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Kakamega, succeeding the late Bishop Philip Sulumeti. He received episcopal ordination on March 7, 2015, at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. During his episcopal ministry, he also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bungoma from 2018 to 2022.

The Catholic Church in Kenya has continued to play a vital role in promoting peace, education, and social welfare. The appointment of Archbishop-elect Obanyi is seen as a significant development in the Church's mission to serve the faithful in the region. As he begins his new role, Obanyi will be expected to provide spiritual guidance and leadership to the Catholic community in Eldoret and beyond.

Key points

• The President of Kenya has pledged his continued support for the Church, citing its role in building a united, inclusive, and prosperous nation.