Newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop for Wote Diocese, Simon Peter Kamomoe (Waving) during his official welcome to the diocese on August 23, 2025. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Catholic Diocese of Wote on Saturday hosted a colorful and historic celebration to officially welcome its new Auxiliary Bishop, Simon Peter Kamomoe.
His appointment comes at a crucial time, as he steps in to assist the ailing Bishop Paul Kariuki in leading the young diocese, which was carved out of the Diocese of Machakos in 2023.
The grand ceremony, held in Wote town, was presided over by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese and drew a wide array of religious and political leaders.
Among them were Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa and Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri, who joined the faithful in prayers and offered blessings for the success of Bishop Kamomoe’s mission.
Archbishop Anyolo urged Christians across the diocese to rally behind the new bishop, noting that unity and collaboration were critical for the growth and development of the fledgling diocese.
In his address, Auxiliary Bishop Kamomoe expressed deep gratitude for the warm welcome and the trust bestowed upon him by Pope Leo XIV. Acknowledging the magnitude of the responsibility ahead, he reassured the faithful of his commitment to serve with humility and dedication.
“To our beloved Christians, your warm welcome and strong presence today give me great hope. Together we shall walk this journey of faith and hope, serving God with pastoral zeal and unity,” he said.
Bishop Kamomoe also recognized the partnership between the Church and political leaders, noting their shared responsibility to uplift society.
“I want to acknowledge and thank our political leaders for your readiness to collaborate for the good of the people of God here in Wote, in Makueni County, and in our country. The Church and society share a common responsibility to uphold human dignity, promote peace, and foster integral human development,” he added.
Calling on priests, religious brothers, and Christians in the diocese, Bishop Kamomoe emphasized the importance of walking together in fulfilling the great commission entrusted to the Church.
Archbishop Antony Muheria reminded the faithful to continue praying for the full recovery of Bishop Paul Kariuki, who, though unwell, remains the diocese’s administrator.
“The Auxiliary Bishop you have received today will be here to encourage you and take care of you spiritually, even as Bishop Kariuki oversees you from a distance,” Archbishop Muheria noted.
The ceremony also attracted prominent political leaders including Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Senator Daniel Maanzo, and County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu.
Governor Kilonzo praised the appointment, saying it would rejuvenate many church programs that had slowed down due to Bishop Kariuki’s illness.
“We are very lucky that now we have an Auxiliary Bishop who will be assisting Bishop Kariuki. We are happy because a lot of church programmes that had stalled will now be brought back to life. Much as this is important for the Church, it is also important to us as leaders because we work very closely with the Church. We share responsibilities like schools and hospitals,” he said.
The appointment of Bishop Kamomoe is widely seen as a timely move to bolster leadership in the Wote Diocese, which continues to grow in stature and significance across the Ukambani region.
With both spiritual and civic leaders pledging support, the diocese enters a new chapter of faith, hope, and service.
