Catholic faithful over the weekend thronged the lakeside city to witness the coronation of Maurice Muhatia as the new Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kisumu.
Messages of peace during this electioneering period dominated the event on Saturday which was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Bert Van Megen.
Archbishop Muhatia officially succeeds Archbishop Philip Anyolo who was appointed to serve as the Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese.
The immediate former Bishop of Nakuru diocese was described as a mentor on leadership, development conscious and one who advocated for peace among Kenyans by various speakers during the event.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyajui said Archbishop Muhatia spearheaded various development programmes on education and health during his tenure as Nakuru bishop for 12 years.
Kinyajui who told the congregation that they have delivered the best Archbishop to them in Kisumu, challenged leaders to show and account for what they have done for the people during their term in office.
“We believe that the good leadership he demonstrated in Nakuru is part of what has led to his elevation to come here, we wish him well and also assure him of our prayers,” he said.
He added, “We met in our St Mary's Pastrol Centre three weeks ago where a modern conference centre has come up. So as we deliver him to Kisumu, we can assure you that we have delivered the best.”
Kinyanjui said the President who is a staunch Catholic, had sent a message of good will to the Archbishop and a message of unity, especially in a year where we are in election and we have seen a lot of divisive talks.
“That as leaders and church we may use our opportunity in the pulpit to bring unity to Kenyans and to bring messages that brings Kenyans together as opposed to divisive conversation.”
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta at the function said the church has collaborated well with both the National and County governments in all sectors.
Wamalwa said even in education and health, the church had contributed much more during the Covid 19 pandemic.
He said Uhuru had urged for the continued partnership between the church and government in serving the citizens and the believers.
Wamalwa also urged the church to be part of the country’s effort to ensure a smooth transition of leadership after the August 9 polls.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili who represented Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said they were happy and welcomed the new Archbishop to the county.
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Archdiocese said Archbishop Muhatia’s installation just four months after acting as an apostolic administrator in the same region is a testament to his capacity to work.
“As you take up your new role, settle down, and may God guide you in every decision that you make for the growth of faith in the Archdiocese,” said Archbishop Kivuva.
He however noted that the country was going through a lot from hunger in some regions, family issues among others hence they should strive to make the country better because if they focus on becoming better as a country, then Kenya will grow.
At the same time, Archbishop Megen announced that Bishop David Kamau, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi will act as the new Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru.
-Edited by SKanyara
