Ruto attends installation ceremony of Kapsabet Bishop John Lelei in Nandi County
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 30, 2025Catholic Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei has officially been installed as the first bishop of the newly created Kapsabet Catholic Diocese.
The installation took place during a ceremony held in Kapsabet on Saturday, August 30, 2025, where President William Ruto was the chief guest. The event brought together top leaders from the North Rift region, including governors and members of parliament, who gathered to witness the consecration of the new bishop.
The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Hubertus Van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, representing Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Lelei has been praised as a humble and down-to-earth servant of God. His recent act of lying flat and kissing the floor has been widely interpreted by Catholic faithful as a symbol of meekness, with many noting that the foundation of the new Kapsabet Diocese will be anchored in humility.
Leaders, including Oscar Sudi, have extended their congratulations to the bishop.
“Congratulations, Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei, on your historic installation. May God grant you wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you lead the Kapsabet Diocese with love, compassion, and spiritual growth. Together with President William Ruto, we extend our warmest congratulations and pray for God’s abundant blessings as you begin this new chapter of spiritual leadership.” Sudi stated,
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.