Catholic Church in Kenya Rejoices as Pope Leo XIV Makes Major Appointment, Names New Bishop

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Father Joseph Onyango Oduor, O.S.A., as Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii, elevating the Kenyan priest to a senior position in the Catholic Church’s hierarchy.

The appointment marks a major milestone in the ministry of Fr Oduor, whose nearly two decades of priestly service have included parish leadership, theological formation and administrative responsibilities in different parts of Kenya.

Born on May 2, 1977, Fr Oduor began his religious formation in 1998 when he joined the Order of St Augustine. He undertook philosophical studies at the Consolata Philosophical Institute before proceeding to theological training at Tangaza University College in Nairobi.

He made his solemn profession on October 1, 2005, and was ordained a priest on November 4, 2006. He later obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in 2013.

His pastoral journey began at Sacred Heart Parish in Babadogo, Nairobi, where he served as a parochial vicar between 2006 and 2009 before becoming parish priest from 2009 to 2011.

Between 2012 and 2019, he served as Prior and Formator at the International House of Formation at the Augustinian Theologicum in Nairobi, taking part in the training and spiritual formation of future religious leaders.

Since 2020, he has been the parish priest of St Monica Parish in Nyamasaria, Kisumu. He also served as Dean of Kisumu Deanery between 2021 and 2024.

Beyond parish ministry, Fr Oduor has held important responsibilities within the Augustinian community and the Catholic Church. He has served as Custodian of the Augustinian Vicariate in Kenya since 2015 and joined the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Kisumu in 2024.

His appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of Kisii places him in line to succeed the current diocesan bishop when the position becomes vacant. In the meantime, he is expected to assist in the leadership and pastoral administration of the diocese.

The appointment recognises years of service within the Church and introduces a new chapter in Fr Oduor’s religious vocation, moving him from parish and religious leadership into the episcopal ministry.

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