Kericho and Bomet Catholic faithful led by Kericho Governor, Prof Paul Chepkwon’y on Friday received the new Kericho Catholic Bishop Rt. Rev. Alfred Kipkoech Rotich.
In a colorful ceremony which was held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Kericho, Prof. Chepkwony congratulated Bishop Rotich on his appointment to head the Kericho Catholic Diocese which stretches across Kericho and Bomet counties.
At hand to welcome the new Bishop was the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, H. E. Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megan.
The newly appointed Bishop Rotich was born on 27th July, 1957 at Tegat Village, Longisa, in Bomet County. He has been serving in the Catholic Church since 1983 when he was ordained as a priest in the Nakuru Diocese and later served as the Military Ordinariate from 1997 to 2016.
Prof. Chepkwony said that he had no doubt that Catholic diocese of Kericho will benefit immensely from his leadership.
He added the Diocese has been a crucial development partner through CARITAS and appealed for continued collaboration under Bishop Rotich.
Chepkwony at the same time congratulated the outgoing Kericho Bishop the Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo, as he retires from service “for having been a close friend of my administration and for his distinguished service to the Body of Christ and to the people of Kericho.”
“Bishop Rotich will be officially installed on 15th February 2020 and as a mark of our friendship, my government will fully participate in the planning of this important event which will be held at Kericho Green Stadium. Karibu Kericho Your Lordship,” he said.
Speaking at the function, Bishop Rotich pledged to ensure the Church foster peace and unity among Kericho residents and beyond.
By Dominic Cheres
