Lodwar, 13th May 2025 (Governor’s Press Service) – Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today joined the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus Maria van Megen, in a thanksgiving mass to mark the 3rd episcopal anniversary of Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. The occasion also featured the official unveiling of a newly constructed bishop’s residence.

The event was held at the Mary Immaculate Conception Shrine in Lodwar and brought together members of the clergy, government officials, and hundreds of faithful in a ceremony that symbolized both spiritual celebration and institutional progress.

In his address, Governor Lomorukai lauded the Catholic Church’s historic and ongoing contributions to the development of Turkana, particularly in the areas of health, education, water access, and humanitarian support.

“Lodwar would not be what it is today without the Catholic Church,” the Governor remarked. “Its long-standing commitment has been instrumental in shaping the progress of our County, and we remain grateful for its role in transforming lives.”

He described the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio as a powerful gesture of the Pope’s love for Turkana and seized the opportunity to appeal for a papal visit. “Your presence here today represents a bridge between Turkana and the Vatican. Kindly extend our invitation to His Holiness the Pope to visit Turkana, the cradle of humankind.”

Governor Lomorukai also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Church, noting that collaboration with faith-based institutions remains key to advancing social and economic development in the County.

Archbishop van Megen, who also serves as the Pope’s personal representative to Kenya and South Sudan, reflected on his 2019 visit to Lodwar. He recalled that it was during that visit, then under the leadership of Bishop Dominic Kimengich, that the idea of further enhancing the institutional capacity of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar was birthed.

With plans to travel to the Vatican later this year, the Nuncio pledged to convey the greetings and heartfelt invitation from the people of Turkana to the newly elected Pope. “It would be my honour to deliver your message,” he said.

On his part, Bishop Mbinda expressed deep gratitude to the faithful and the broader community for their collective support in making the residence a reality.

Speaking on behalf of other bishops, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru Cleophas Oseso Quoted a guiding principle for contributing towards church projects. He said, “No one is too poor to give, and no one is too rich not to need.”

The thanksgiving mass was attended by Catholic bishops from the dioceses of Kitale, Eldoret, Isiolo, and Nakuru.

Also present were Turkana Central Member of Parliament Hon. Emathe Namuar, Township Ward MCA Ruth Kuya, and senior county government officials.

The national government was represented by Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner David Siele, and the Resident Magistrate.