The Catholic faithful in Nandi County are set to witness a historic moment this weekend as Bishop John Lelei is installed as the first bishop of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet.
The diocese was established on July 10, 2025, by Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the Catholic Church in Kenya. On the same day, Bishop Lelei, who had been serving as auxiliary bishop in Eldoret, was appointed to shepherd the new diocese, which was carved out of the larger Catholic Diocese of Eldoret.
The installation ceremony will take place on Saturday at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet. It will be preceded by a series of elaborate ceremonies and prayers beginning Friday, organised by the Diocese of Eldoret to bid farewell to Bishop Lelei.
According to Eldoret Bishop Dominic Kimengich, the events will start with mass at Eldoret Cathedral, followed by a symbolic procession to Mulango, the border point between Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties, along the Eldoret–Kapsabet road. In the evening, Bishop Lelei will be formally received at St Peter’s Church in Kapsabet for prayers ahead of his installation.
The new Diocese of Kapsabet covers approximately 2,888 square kilometres and serves a population of more than 885,000 people, of whom about 313,655 are Catholic. Its cathedral will be the current St Peter’s Parish in Kapsabet town, which will now assume its elevated role in the diocese.
Born in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, Bishop Lelei was consecrated in May 2024. On his appointment, he expressed deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him, saying, “I thank God for the opportunity to serve as shepherd for his people in the new Diocese of Kapsabet.”
The installation is expected to draw large numbers of faithful, clergy, and political leaders. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang welcomed the appointment, commending the Catholic Church for its role in education, healthcare, and national development.
“We are ready to work with and support the new bishop as he leads us spiritually in this region,” Sang said.
Bishop Lelei’s installation marks a new chapter for the Catholic community in Nandi, symbolising growth, faith, and unity.
