Pope appoints John Lelei as first bishop of Kapsabet Catholic Diocese
By Nancy Marende, July 10, 2025The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt Reverend John Kiplimo Lelei as the first Bishop of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, 2025, by Kenya’s Catholic Church Department for Justice & Peace Agenda in Kenya.
Bishop Lelei, who is currently serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Eldoret, has also been released from his titular See of Mount Numidia.
“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,” read the statement in part.
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 the 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.
His leadership in Eldoret has been marked by a deep pastoral commitment and service to the local community.
His installation as the Bishop of Kapsabet is scheduled to take place on August 30, 2025.
Nandi governor
Congratulating the new bishop, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang stated that his appointment marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of the Catholic Church in the region.
In a statement on July 10, 2025, the governor said the establishment of the diocese reflects the growing number of faithful and the church’s commitment to deepening its pastoral mission.
“Congratulations to Auxiliary Bishop Rt Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei on his appointment as the first Bishop of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet. This marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of the Catholic Church in the region,” Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said.
“We warmly welcome Bishop Lelei to his new role and pray for God’s guidance and blessings as he shepherds the faithful with wisdom, humility, and devotion. His deep spiritual insight and strong commitment to service will no doubt enrich the spiritual lives of many and strengthen the Church’s presence in our region.”
The new Diocese of Kapsabet will function as a suffragan of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kisumu, a move aimed at enhancing pastoral care and administrative efficiency within the region.