New bishop Obanyi showered with gifts

Three spanking new showroom four-wheel-drive vehicles, one bull, several sheep and goats along with a Sh2 million cash gift to complete his predecessor’s retirement home are some of the gifts Kakamega’s new Catholic bishop was showered with after his consecration in Saturday’s colourful ceremony.

And Rt Rev Joseph Obanyi on Monday celebrated his first Mass as Kakamega’s second bishop after replacing the 77-year-old Bishop Emeritus (retired) Philip Sulumeti.

Bishop Sulumeti was the chief consecrator at Bishop Obanyi’s installation at the Bukhungu Stadium. Bishop Obanyi, 47, was appointed bishop by Pope Francis on December 5 last year and becomes Kenya’s youngest Catholic bishop.

On Saturday, Deputy President William Ruto said he and President Uhuru Kenyatta would soon hand over a 4x4 utility vehicle to the new bishop, this after Rt Rev Obanyi was presented with a new Mitsubishi Pajero by the Diocese of Kisii where he was born and also served.

His new Diocese also offered him a new vehicle.

UHURU -RUTO GIFTS

“I and President Kenyatta will bring you a good four-wheel vehicle for your ministry. We also have put together Sh2 million so that you can complete Bishop Sulumeti’s retirement home so we can visit him at a decent address,” said Mr Ruto.

Over 20,000 faithful who included two former Vice-Presidents Musalia Mudavadi and Moody Awori, over 20 MPs, several MCAs, four Senators, three governors, 23 Catholic bishops and hundreds of priests and nuns attended the function.

President Kenyatta’s cousin Mr George Muhuho, a former Catholic priest, and Constitution Implementation Commission chairman Mr Charles Nyachae were also present.

Celebrating his first Mass yesterday, Bishop Obanyi drew huge cheers from the diocesan priests when he said they would remain and continue serving with him in the diocese.

The Catholic Church’s tradition dictates that when a new bishop is consecrated, he brings his own team of priests, replacing those serving under the outgoing bishop.

HUMBLED BY RECEPTION

“I’m extremely humbled by the reception that you have given me,” said Rt Rev Obanyi.

“When I was called to Nairobi (by the Pope’s representative), I didn’t know what was in store for me… immediately, some journalists asked me what my mission in Kakamega would be. I told them it was too soon to comment and that I shall be guided by the Holy Spirit,” said the second born in a family of four. Bishop Obanyi has huge shoes to fit as his predecessor left an impressive track record building hundreds of schools and tens of health centres in the diocese that has almost 800,000 Catholic faithful.

At yesterday’s Mass at the St Joseph’s Cathedral, the bishop’s uncle Mr Samuel Obanyi, a retired publisher, told the congregation a moving story of the new bishop’s early childhood and how he grew up and served in the church, from alter boy to, now, bishop.

“The Diocese of Kisii has nurtured several bishops, including the late Tiberius Mugendi and Cardinal Otunga, and it is God’s special reward to the people of Kisii to a new bishop,” added Mr Obanyi, a younger brother of the bishop’s late father, Mr John Sagwe.

Bishop Obanyi, who will serve 20 parishes in the huge diocese, was also decorated with traditional hide and given a spear and shield by the diocesan priests, a sign that he has now become their leader.

“Let’s join hands and work together to grow the Church and the faith in Kakamega,” said Rt Rev Obanyi.