KISUMU, JUNE 30, 2015 – The Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu yesterday marked 25 years since it’s establishment.
The event celebrated at the Uzima University College Grounds in Kisumu also marked 47 years of Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth’s service to diocese.
The event was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and leader of opposition Raila Amolo Odinga among other leaders.
In his speech Archbishop Okoth urged the government and the opposition to work together in serving the country and promoting peace.
“In a multiparty democracy, the Opposition is part of government since it provides necessary checks. We must therefore not change our political differences into enmity among our people,” the Archbishop said, Daily Nation reported.
President Kenyatta congratulated Archbishop Okoth, assuring him of support in the implementation of church projects, key among them being the Uzima University College improvement project.
“Belonging to different political parties does not amount to being enemies. It only means that we have different manifestos and approaches which are aimed at developing the same country and improving the lives of the same Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.
“You can count on our support and commitment in promoting that good work,” he said, adding that they will unite with the Church and other leaders to implement development that will guarantee the peace that we need in this country.
The foundation of the diocese of Kisumu dates back to 1903 with the arrival of the First Mill Hill Missionaries in Western Kenya.
The Diocese of was elevated to an archdiocese on May 21, 1990 with 7 dioceses which include; Kakamega, Bungoma, Eldoret, Kitale, Lodwar, Kisii, Homabay.
