Catholic priests and faithful acknowledge greetings from the newly installed Kakamega Catholic Bishop Joseph Obanyi at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on March 7, 2015. PHOTO | DPPS
Bishop Sulumeti was the chief consecrator at Bishop Obanyi’s installation at the Bukhungu Stadium. Bishop Obanyi, 47, was appointed bishop by Pope Francis on December 5 last year and becomes Kenya’s youngest Catholic bishop.
President Kenyatta’s cousin Mr George Muhuho, a former Catholic priest, and Constitution Implementation Commission chairman Mr Charles Nyachae were also present.
Bishop Obanyi, who will serve 20 parishes in the huge diocese, was also decorated with traditional hide and given a spear and shield by the diocesan priests, a sign that he has now become their leader.
Three spanking new showroom four-wheel-drive vehicles, one bull, several sheep and goats along with a Sh2 million cash gift to complete his predecessor’s retirement home are some of the gifts Kakamega’s new Catholic bishop was showered with after his consecration in Saturday’s colourful ceremony.
And Rt Rev Joseph Obanyi on Monday celebrated his first Mass as Kakamega’s second bishop after replacing the 77-year-old Bishop Emeritus (retired) Philip Sulumeti.
