Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Wote Diocese
The Dicastery for Evangelization has appointed the Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe, Auxiliary Bishop of Wote, as the Apostolic Administrator sede plena et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Catholic Diocese of Wote. The appointment was announced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, through a decree dated September 18, 2025, and takes effect on September 21.
With this appointment, Bishop Kamomoe receives full authority to govern the Diocese of Wote. The move comes as the diocese continues to pray for the complete recovery of its ordinary, the Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru, the founding bishop of Wote.
Bishop Kamomoe, who has served as Auxiliary Bishop of Wote since August 2025, brings rich pastoral and administrative experience to his new role. He was ordained bishop in 2023 to assist in the Archdiocese of Nairobi before being transferred to Wote.
Established in July 2021 after being carved out of the Diocese of Machakos, the Diocese of Wote covers Makueni County and its environs. It has quickly grown in both Catholic population and pastoral needs, facing opportunities and challenges in evangelization, education, and social transformation.
Since his installation in 2022, Bishop Kariuki Njiru formerly Bishop of Embu has laid strong foundations for diocesan structures, prioritizing evangelization, Catholic education, and social development initiatives in a region often weighed down by economic hardship.
The diocese recently celebrated a milestone on August 23, 2025, when Bishop Kamomoe was installed as Auxiliary Bishop at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Wote. The solemn Mass was led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi and concelebrated by several bishops, drawing clergy, religious, and thousands of lay faithful in a joyful celebration of faith and mission.
Now, entrusted with his new mandate as Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Kamomoe is expected to ensure continuity in governance and pastoral care. His appointment reflects the Vatican’s confidence in his leadership and offers stability to the young diocese during this transitional period.
In his communication to the bishops of Kenya, Archbishop van Megen extended prayerful wishes, calling on the faithful to remain united in prayer for Bishop Kariuki Njiru’s recovery and to offer full support to Bishop Kamomoe as he undertakes his new responsibilities.
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