The Catholic Diocese of Machakos is set to witness a significant leadership shift as Bishop Right Reverend Norman King’oo Wambua has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of Wote Diocese. The appointment, announced by the Holy See, follows the prolonged illness of Bishop Paul Kariuki, rendering him unable to fulfill his duties.
In an official communication, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, His Excellency The Most Reverend Bert van Megen, relayed the decision on behalf of the Dicastery for the Evangelization of Peoples. “I wish to inform you that the Dicastery has appointed the Right Reverend Norman King’oo Wambua, Bishop of Machakos, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wote, granting him all the faculties in that Diocese,” the letter read. The appointment will take effect on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Bishop Paul Kariuki was appointed as the first bishop of the Diocese of Wote on July 22, 2023, when the diocese was erected from the Diocese of Machakos. His consecration marked the beginning of his leadership, but his health challenges necessitated this transition.
Bishop King’oo is expected to provide much-needed spiritual and administrative guidance during this period, ensuring continuity in the Diocese of Wote. His appointment is seen as a move to stabilize the diocese while Bishop Kariuki continues his recovery.
