John Lelei installed as first Bishop of Kapsabet Catholic Diocese
By Nancy Marende, August 30, 2025History was made in Nandi County as Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei was officially installed as the first bishop of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet.
The installation ceremony held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, marked with jubilation and thanksgiving, was attended by thousands of faithful, clergy, President William Ruto, and other leaders from across the region.
Bishop Lelei, who was received from the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret under the leadership of Rt Rev. Dr Dominic Kimengich, assumes the historic role of shepherding the new diocese.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who welcomed the Bishop ahead of the installation on August 29, 2025, praised his humility and the symbolic gesture he made upon arrival.
“We, the people of Nandi County, are truly elated and deeply honoured to welcome Bishop-Elect Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei to our beloved county. Your heartfelt gesture of humility and respect, kissing the ground upon your arrival at Mlango, deeply moved us and beautifully reflects your love for the people of Nandi,” Sang said.
He described the inauguration of the new diocese as a significant milestone for both the Catholic Church and the broader community.
“As we look forward to your official episcopal installation and the inauguration of the new Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet, we celebrate this historic moment with great joy and thanksgiving,” the governor added.
The new diocese is expected to strengthen pastoral care, deepen evangelisation, and enhance the church’s social role in education, healthcare, and community development within the region.
“Karibu Nandi, Bishop-Elect. May your leadership be blessed,” Sang concluded.
His installation comes a month after Holy Father Pope Leo XIV appointed him on July 10, 2025.
“The Holy Father has appointed Rt Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei, currently the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, as the First Bishop of the new Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet, simultaneously releasing him from the titular See of Mount Numidia,” the Kenya Catholic Church Department for Justice & Peace Agenda in Kenya announced.
Who is Lelei?
Lelei was born on August 15, 1958, in Soy within the Eldoret Diocese and was ordained a priest on October 26, 1985.
The cleric studied philosophy at St Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Mabanga and theology at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi.
Bishop Lelei also holds a doctorate in theology with a specialisation in liturgy from the University of Vienna.
The new Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet bishop has served in various pastoral and academic capacities, including as parish priest in several parishes such as Yamumbi, Chepterit, and Kapcherop.
He was also the Rector of St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi from 2017 to 2023 and served as a lecturer and rector at St Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Tindinyo.
Bishop Lelei was appointed Auxiliary Bishop on March 27, 2024, and was consecrated and installed on May 25, 2024.