Catholic faithful thronged the lakeside city to witness the coronation of Maurice Muhatia as the new Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kisumu.
Archbishop Muhatia becomes the 3rd top shepherd of the Kisumu Catholic Archdiocese following his inauguration in a ceremony presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Bert Van Megen.
He officially succeeds his predecessor Archbishop Philip Anyolo who was appointed to serve as the Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese.
The immediate former Bishop of Nakuru diocese was described as a mentor on leadership, development conscious and one who advocated for peace among Kenyans.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyajui while speaking at the event, said during his tenure as Nakuru bishop for 12 years, Muhatia spearheaded various development programmes on education and health.
“Three weeks ago, we met in our St. Mary’s Pastoral Center where a modern conference center has come up. So as we deliver him to Kisumu, we can assure you that we have delivered the best,” confirmed Governor Kinyajui while challenging leaders to be able to show and account for what they have done for the people during their term in office.
On his part, Defense Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa, who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta at the function said the church has collaborated well with both the National and County Governments in all sectors.
“Be it in education, the church has contributed much. Be it in the health sector, the church has also contributed immensely, more so during the Covid 19 pandemic, the church came in greatly and President Uhuru has urged for the continued partnership between the church and government in serving the citizens and the believers,” said CS Wamalwa.
Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Archdiocese, said Archbishop Muhatia’s installation just four months after acting as an apostolic administrator in the same region is a testament to his capacity to work.
“As you take up your new role, settle down, and may God guide you in every decision that you make for the growth of faith in the Archdiocese,” said Archbishop Kivuva.
At the same time, Archbishop Megen announced that Bishop David Kamau, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi will act as the new Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru.
By Robert Ojwang’
