Kenyan Priest Makes History After Pope Leo’s Bold Verdict

Father Joseph Onyango Oduor, a Catholic priest who has served in the Archdiocese of Kisumu for several years, is preparing to take up a new responsibility following his appointment to the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii.

Pope Leo XIV named the 49 year old cleric as the Coadjutor Bishop of Kisii on Friday, November 13, 2026. The announcement was made public through the Vatican, bringing attention to a priest whose ministry has largely been based in Kenya.

Before receiving the appointment, Oduor was serving at St Monica Parish in Nyamasaria, Kisumu, where he had been the parish priest since 2020.

His new position will see him work alongside Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa, who currently leads the Kisii Diocese. Unlike an ordinary auxiliary bishop, a coadjutor bishop has the right to succeed the serving diocesan bishop when the position becomes vacant.

The appointment was welcomed by members of the Catholic community in Kisii, with an official gathering held at St Charles Lwanga Cathedral. The event brought together church representatives and faithful who had assembled to receive the newly appointed bishop.

Father Oduor expressed gratitude for the responsibility and acknowledged the people who had welcomed him into the diocese. He also thanked the Pope for giving him the opportunity to serve in a different capacity within the Church.

His journey in religious life began in 1998 when he joined the Order of St Augustine in Kenya. He later pursued theological studies at Tangaza University in Nairobi and furthered his philosophical education at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

He was ordained a priest on November 4, 2006, after making his perpetual religious profession the previous year.

Over the years, Oduor has held several responsibilities within the Catholic Church. He previously served at Sacred Heart Parish in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, before taking up formation and leadership duties within the Augustinian community.

His experience also includes serving as Dean of Kisumu Deanery between 2021 and 2024.

The appointment represents a new chapter in his religious service, moving him from parish responsibilities in Kisumu to a senior leadership role in Kisii.

As he prepares to work with the clergy and faithful in his new diocese, his background in pastoral ministry and religious formation will form part of the experience he brings to the position.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/646830-pope-leo-xiv-appoints-kenyan-augustinian-priest-coadjutor-bishop-kenyas-kisii-diocese/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR8JPe4wxzPyoOWqrKFnbntCOTKPEGRPBFyL0ZxkfDqTvtGQwG5L0PqAHRjZ8g_aem_7s4gicqIQnXrOQ-LACrHkA

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