NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Dominic Kimengich of Eldoret as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa ahead of the planned retirement of Archbishop Martin Kivuva.
Vatican announced the appointment on Wednesday in a move aimed at ensuring a smooth leadership transition in one of Kenya’s most influential archdioceses.
The appointment positions Bishop Kimengich as the designated successor to Archbishop Kivuva, giving him the automatic right to take over leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa once the incumbent retires, resigns, or is otherwise unable to continue in office.
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As Coadjutor Archbishop, Bishop Kimengich will immediately begin assisting Archbishop Kivuva in the pastoral and administrative governance of the vast archdiocese spanning Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta and parts of Kilifi.
The move seeks to guarantee continuity and stability in church leadership along the Coast region according to church officials familiar with Vatican appointments.
A Coadjutor Archbishop is a senior prelate whom the Pope appoints to support a sitting archbishop and who holds the automatic right of succession.
The Vatican often uses this role to manage leadership transitions in major dioceses and archdioceses.
‘Steadfast shepherd’
Bishop Kimengich has served the Diocese of Eldoret with distinction, earning wide respect for his pastoral dedication, humility, and strong commitment to social justice, evangelization, and service to the poor and vulnerable.
His ministry has been marked by close engagement with both clergy and laity, as well as a focus on strengthening church institutions and outreach programmes.
Congratulating the Bishop on his elevation, KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi praised Kimengich’s lifelong service to the Church and to humanity.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Rev. Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret on his appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Gideon Moi said.
“Throughout his pastoral ministry, Bishop Kimengich has been a steadfast spiritual shepherd and a pillar of faith. His selfless service to Christ and humanity has been truly exemplary.”
Gideon Moi added that the appointment was a source of pride not only to the Church but also to the wider Kenyan community.
“On behalf of the entire Moi family, we congratulate Bishop Kimengich and take great pride in this well-deserved elevation. We continue to keep him in our prayers as he prepares to serve the Church in this new and noble responsibility,” he said.
The Archdiocese of Mombasa plays a central role in the spiritual life of Catholics across Kenya’s Coast region and is one of the country’s oldest and most influential church jurisdictions.
Bishop Kimengich’s appointment is expected to strengthen pastoral outreach and ensure continuity as the archdiocese prepares for a formal leadership transition when Archbishop Kivuva retires in 2028.
