BISHOP KIMANI TAKES OVER THE HELM AT THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF EMBU
By Nicholas Kigondu
Monsignor Bishop Peter Kimani was on Saturday installed as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu in a colorful ceremony held at the University of Embu grounds.
Presiding over the ceremony, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, lauded his previous role as the national chaplain of the Kenya Prisons Service saying that through his work, he had demonstrated that compassion, hope, and redemption can flourish even in the most challenging of circumstances. This even as he challenged him to serve all People irrespective of their backgrounds as he is now a Bishop of the Universal Church.
President William Ruto, who was among those in attendance, said the ordination of Bishop Kimani was important not only to the people of Embu but the country at large.
“We thank God and the Pope for appointing the Bishop. On behalf of the people of Kenya, I want to congratulate you for the appointment as the Bishop of Embu and I pledge my administration's support.” Said the President.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who described the newly installed Bishop as his friend, termed him as a man of integrity and compassion who will take good care of those he has been tasked with shepherding.
While congratulating Bishop Kimani on his installation, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki thanked the catholic church for supporting development projects which he said have improved the quality of life and living standards of the people of Kenya.
In his maiden speech shortly after his ordination, Bishop Kimani thanked God and Pope Francis for the opportunity to serve in the new role pledging to collaborate with all bishops and other leaders to serve the people. He thanked the leadership of the state department for correctional Services for the support accorded to him during his tenure as the national chaplain of the Kenya Prisons Service.
State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco was among those who attended the ordination and installation of Bishop Kimani as the fourth Bishop of Embu Diocese.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Peter Kimani on 15th August 2024 with the appointment officially published in L’Osservatore Romano in Rome.