Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe as the substantive Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote, cementing the leadership role he has held since March 2026 when he was named Apostolic Administrator of the young diocese.
The appointment officially places Bishop Kamomoe at the helm of one of Kenya’s newest Catholic dioceses, created in 2023 following its separation from the Diocese of Machakos.
Church leaders and faithful have welcomed the decision by the Vatican, describing Bishop Kamomoe as an experienced cleric with a strong background in pastoral care, counselling and community service.
Before his appointment to Wote, Bishop Kamomoe served as Auxiliary Bishop in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, where he played key roles in pastoral administration, youth mentorship and spiritual formation.
Born in Gatundu, Kiambu County, in 1962, Bishop Kamomoe undertook his priestly formation at Queen of Apostles Seminary before studying philosophy at St. Augustine Seminary Mabanga and theology at St. Matthias Mulumba Seminary in Tindinyo.
He was ordained to the priesthood in 1994 by the late Maurice Michael Otunga and later pursued higher studies in counselling psychology at the University of Nairobi, Tangaza University College and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, eventually earning a doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Kamomoe has been associated with counselling, youth empowerment and strengthening family and community values within the Church.
His elevation now comes at a significant moment for the Diocese of Wote as the Church seeks to strengthen structures and deepen pastoral outreach across Makueni County.
The Diocese of Wote was established by the Vatican to bring Church services closer to the faithful and enhance evangelisation efforts in the lower eastern region.
With his official confirmation as Bishop, Bishop Kamomoe is expected to steer the diocese through its formative years while expanding its spiritual, social and development programs.
