Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich as the new Coadjutor Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa.
According to a statement dated Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Dominic will assist the Archbishop of Mombasa in the pastoral governance of the archdiocese and hold the right of succession upon the vacancy of the metropolitan see.
“He will assist the Archbishop of Mombasa in the pastoral governance of the archdiocese and, in accordance with canon law, holds the right of succession upon the vacancy of the metropolitan see,” read a statement.
Therefore, this appointment ensures continuity of leadership and strengthens the Church’s pastoral mission along the Kenyan Coast.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB appreciated Dominic for his appointment and requested for prayers on his behalf.
“The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) warmly welcomes this appointment and invites all the faithful to keep Bishop Dominic Kimengich, the Archdiocese of Mombasa, and the Church in Kenya in prayer as he prepares to assume this new pastoral responsibility in the service of God’s people”, said a statement from the church.
Dominic Kimengich: Early Life and Education
Bishop Dominic Kimengich was born on 23rd April 1961 in Kituro, Baringo District.
He attended Marigat Primary and Kituro High Schools between 1967 and 1979.
In 1980, Dominic joined St Augustine Major Seminary in Mabanga for his Philosophy studies, and in 1982, St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary for Theological studies.
Kimengich holds Licentiate and Doctorate degrees in Canon law from the Pontifical Holy Cross University in Rome.
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Priesthood and Pastoral Roles
He was ordained as a priest on the 14th of September 1986.
After his ordination, Bishop-Elect Kimengich served as Assistant Parish Priest at Ndanai Catholic Mission and Parish Priest at Kipsaram Catholic Mission.
Dominic Kimengich has served as a priest in the Diocese of Nakuru and was the rector of St. Joseph Junior Seminary, a Catholic secondary school for boys in Molo, Kenya.
In 2001, he was appointed the Vicar General of the Diocese of Nakuru.
From 2006 to 2008, Dominic served as Rector of St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary in Tindinyo, overseeing the formation of 170 seminarians.
Kimengich later served at the Kenya Catholic Secretariat in Nairobi, supporting the entire Church in Kenya on canonical matters by providing legal and canonical advice to the bishops, clergy, laity, and religious.
Prior to his appointment as auxiliary bishop, he was Judge of the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Nakuru and was responsible for funding the Canon Law Office and ensuring the establishment of functional tribunals in the country.
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On March 5, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Lodwar upon the retirement of Bishop Patrick Harrington and installed him as Bishop on March 30, 2011, at the Cathedral in Lodwar.
In November 2019, Dominic was transferred to the Diocese of Eldoret, where he has faithfully shepherded the people of God with a strong emphasis on evangelization, pastoral accompaniment, and prudent administration.
Rev. Dominic Kimengich currently serves as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret.
Achievements
Bishop Kimengich has played a crucial role in peace and reconciliation in the North Rift region, especially in counties affected by banditry.
He is an open-minded clergyman who often speaks out on key national issues.
In addition to speaking about insecurity in the Kerio Valley, Dominic has worked to ensure access to education for children from less fortunate families.
He has also stood for the strengthening of Catholic sponsered institutions in the region. The Pope will appoint a new bishop to replace Kimengich in Eldoret.
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