The Vatican’s appointment of Bishop Dominic Kimengich as Coadjutor Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mombasa, with the canonical right of succession, is far more than a routine episcopal transfer. It is a deliberate act of ecclesial governance designed to guarantee continuity, stability, and pastoral clarity for one of Kenya’s most strategic and complex Archdioceses.

Under Canon 403 §3 of the Code of Canon Law, a coadjutor bishop is appointed with the automatic right to succeed the incumbent. Unlike an Auxiliary Bishop, who assists without succession rights, a Coadjutor Archbishop becomes the next Archbishop immediately upon the retirement, resignation, or death of the current officeholder—without the need for a new papal appointment.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the significance of Bishop Kimengich’s new role.

Bishop Kimengich is no stranger to episcopal transition. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar and Titular Bishop of Tanaramusa in March 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, he initially served without governing authority. One year later, in March 2011, he succeeded Bishop Patrick Joseph Harrington, SMA, becoming the Local Ordinary of the Diocese of Lodwar—a demanding missionary territory marked by insecurity, harsh climate, and limited resources.

That succession marked his full assumption of diocesan leadership and confirmed his capacity to shepherd a Church facing complex pastoral and social realities.

During his years in Lodwar, Bishop Kimengich worked closely with the Society of African Missions (SMA), forging strong bonds with missionaries serving on the frontlines of evangelization and peacebuilding.

Among them was Fr. Ephraim Kway, SMA, who served for a decade in Lodwar as a dean and member of the College of Consultors. Reflecting on that collaboration, Fr. Kway offers a comprehensive appreciation of the Bishop’s leadership:

“During the ten years I worked closely with Bishop Dominic Kimengich in the Diocese of Lodwar, I experienced him as a deeply committed pastor and an exceptional collaborator with the SMA missionaries. Despite the harsh climatic conditions, limited resources, and complex pastoral challenges of the diocese, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the faith of the people through regular pastoral visits, peace-building initiatives along conflict-prone borders, and the promotion of unity among diocesan clergy and religious men and women. Bishop Kimengich gave particular priority to sustainable development, self-reliance through initiatives such as the annual Family Day, the establishment of new parishes and pastoral structures, and the encouragement of local religious congregations. His leadership fostered communion, responsibility, and missionary zeal, leaving a lasting impact on the Church of Lodwar.”

Bishop Kimengich also collaborated closely with Fr. Parfait Houkpe, SMA, Parish Priest of Lorugum in Loima Deanery, who credits him with initiating the Family Day—a diocesan initiative that promoted self-reliance by mobilizing local contributions for the Church’s pastoral life.

Another key collaborator was Fr. Robin Kamemba, SMA, then District Superior of the Kenya District, particularly during the installation of Fr. Pascal Emong Ekisa, SMA, as Parish Priest of Namoruputh.

Later, as Bishop of Eldoret, Bishop Kimengich continued these strong missionary ties, notably by ordaining Fr. Joachim Kipkurui, SMA, on 29 July 2023.

Fr. Pascal Emong Ekisa, SMA, recalls his personal encounter with Bishop Kimengich during a mission in Lodwar:

“I first met Bishop Dominic Kimengich during a mission in the Diocese of Lodwar in December 2020, when he was Bishop of Eldoret and serving as Apostolic Administrator of Lodwar. What struck me most was his quiet and peaceful demeanor. He was approachable, attentive, and deeply supportive, often giving us the courage to persevere in demanding mission contexts such as St. Paul Namoruputh. Bishop Kimengich was constantly on the move across the vast Diocese of Lodwar, encouraging missionaries through his presence, availability, and readiness to listen. Living and working with him taught us the importance of prayer at the heart of mission.”

Now appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa, Bishop Kimengich does not merely assist Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde. He is designated to walk alongside him, to share responsibility, to understand the pastoral and administrative dynamics of the coastal Metropolitan See, and to automatically succeed him when Archbishop Kivuva reaches the canonical retirement age of 75.

This arrangement is particularly significant for Mombasa, a region marked by religious plurality, ethnic diversity, and sensitive socio-political realities, where leadership continuity is essential.

With Bishop Kimengich’s transfer, the Diocese of Eldoret becomes sede vacante—Latin for “vacant see”—and will be temporarily governed by an Apostolic Administrator until the Holy Father appoints a new bishop.

Born in Baringo County, trained as a canon lawyer in Rome, former seminary rector, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocesan Bishop of Lodwar, and Bishop of Eldoret, Bishop Kimengich brings a rare breadth of pastoral and administrative experience. His appointment as coadjutor signals the Vatican’s confidence in his leadership across regions and cultures.

As the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has emphasized, this moment calls for prayer—for Bishop Kimengich, Archbishop Kivuva, and the Church in Kenya—as the Archdiocese of Mombasa enters a transition that is not uncertain but canonically secured and pastorally guided.