Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Joseph Oduor, OSA, as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii, making him the first Augustinian priest to be appointed a bishop in Kenya.
The appointment, announced by the Holy See Press Office on Friday, November 13, marks a historic milestone for the Augustinian Order in the country. Oduor is also the fifth Augustinian priest appointed bishop in Africa.
Before his appointment, the 49-year-old served as the Parish Priest of St Monica Nyamasaria Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu.
The serving Bishop of Kisii, Joseph Mairura Okemwa, also announced the appointment locally during a thanksgiving Mass at St Charles Lwanga Cathedral. Bishop Okemwa invited the Bishop-elect to address the congregation.
As Coadjutor Bishop, Joseph Oduor will assist Bishop Okemwa in the pastoral leadership and administration of the diocese. Under Canon 409 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, a coadjutor bishop automatically becomes diocesan bishop when the office becomes vacant.
No date has been announced for Oduor's episcopal ordination. Until then, he is referred to as Bishop-elect.
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What Joseph Oduor Said After His Appointment
Addressing the congregation at St Charles Lwanga Cathedral, Joseph Oduor thanked Pope Leo XIV for choosing him to serve the Catholic Church in Kisii.
