The Catholic Church has announced a fresh leadership change in the Diocese of Wote following the appointment of Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, the Auxiliary Bishop of Wote, as the new Apostolic Administrator effective Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Bishop Kamomoe takes over from Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua of the Machakos Diocese, who has been overseeing Wote as Apostolic Administrator since September 2024.
The move comes amid the ongoing health challenges of Bishop Paul Kariuki Njiru, the pioneer bishop of Wote, who has been unable to fully carry out his pastoral and administrative duties after suffering a stroke in 2024.
Wote Diocese was established by Pope Francis on 22 July 2023, carved out from the Machakos Diocese, with Bishop Kariuki installed as its first shepherd. However, his illness prompted the Vatican to appoint Bishop Wambua with full authority to administer the diocese.
In July 2025, Pope Leo XIV named Bishop Kamomoe as the Auxiliary Bishop of Wote. His appointment as Apostolic Administrator now signals a shift toward more localized leadership within the young diocese.
As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Kamomoe will oversee the spiritual and administrative affairs of the diocese until Bishop Kariuki recovers or further guidance is issued by the Holy See.
For many faithful in Wote, this transition brings renewed hope for closer pastoral care and continuity of diocesan projects, which had been managed under the dual responsibilities of Bishop Wambua in both Machakos and Wote.
The Vatican has yet to release further details on the scope of Bishop Kamomoe’s mandate, but the appointment underscores the Church’s efforts to ensure stability and pastoral presence in one of Kenya’s newest dioceses.
