By Lornah Chenang’at
The recent appointment of Bishop Dominic Kimengich, until now the Bishop of Eldoret, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa is both a significant ecclesial event and a moment of pastoral transition for two local Churches in Kenya. For the faithful of Mombasa, it signals a future marked by continuity and preparedness. For the people of Eldoret, it ushers in a period of lawful transition, prayerful waiting, and pastoral stewardship.
While such developments often prompt emotional reactions such as gratitude, uncertainty, and hope, Canon Law provides a clear, humane, and carefully structured framework to guide the Church through them
Episcopal Ministry and the Pastoral Needs of the Church
A diocesan bishop carries the full responsibility for teaching, sanctifying, and governing the People of God entrusted to him. However, Canon Law realistically acknowledges that the pastoral demands of a diocese can, at times, exceed what one bishop can reasonably manage alone whether due to size, complexity, health, or other serious circumstances.
Canon 403 introduces this pastoral sensitivity:
“When the pastoral needs of a diocese suggest it, one or more auxiliary bishops are to be appointed at the request of the diocesan bishop.”
(Can. 403 §1)
Auxiliary bishops assist the diocesan bishop in pastoral and administrative matters. Yet the same canon makes an important clarification:
“An auxiliary bishop does not possess the right of succession.”
(Can. 403 §1)
This distinction is crucial, because the Church also provides for a different kind of episcopal assistance – one that looks not only to the present needs of a diocese but also to its future leadership.
The Appointment of a Coadjutor Bishop
Canon Law addresses this more serious and forward-looking situation in Canon 403 §3:
“If it appears more opportune to the Holy See, it can appoint ex officio a coadjutor bishop who also has special faculties. A coadjutor bishop possesses the right of succession.”
This canon reveals three defining features of the coadjutor bishop.
First, the appointment is made directly by the Holy See, not merely at the request of the diocesan bishop. This underscores the gravity and pastoral importance of the decision.
Second, the coadjutor bishop is granted special faculties, enabling him to share more fully in the governance of the diocese.
Third, and most decisively, the coadjutor bishop possesses the right of succession. He is not simply an assistant; he is a designated future diocesan bishop.
It is under this canonical provision that Bishop Dominic Kimengich has been appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Mombasa.
What Makes a Coadjutor Bishop Distinct?
The defining element of the coadjutor bishop’s office is the right of succession. Canon Law leaves no ambiguity on this point:
“A coadjutor bishop possesses the right of succession.”
(Can. 403 §3)
This right is further clarified in Canon 409:
“When the episcopal see is vacant, the coadjutor bishop immediately becomes the bishop of the diocese for which he had been appointed provided that he has legitimately taken possession of it.”
(Can. 409 §1)
In practical terms, this means that when the Archdiocese of Mombasa becomes vacant; through resignation, retirement, transfer, or death of the current Archbishop, Bishop Kimengich automatically and immediately becomes the Archbishop of Mombasa. No new appointment or election will be required.
This provision reflects deep pastoral wisdom. It ensures continuity of leadership, prevents prolonged uncertainty, and allows the diocese to move forward with stability and confidence.
Canonical Possession of the Office
Before exercising his ministry as coadjutor, Bishop Kimengich must canonically take possession of the office. Canon 404 outlines this process:
“A coadjutor bishop takes possession of his office when he, either personally or through a proxy, has shown the apostolic letter of appointment to the diocesan bishop and college of consultors in the presence of the chancellor of the curia, who records the event.”
(Can. 404 §1)
This act is both juridical and pastoral. The apostolic letter, issued by the Holy Father, formally communicates the appointment and establishes the coadjutor’s authority within the diocese.
Canon Law also anticipates exceptional situations:
“If the diocesan bishop is completely impeded, it suffices that the coadjutor bishop show the apostolic letter of appointment to the college of consultors.”
(Can. 404 §3)
Such provisions ensure that the life of the diocese continues even in moments of difficulty.
Shared Governance and Collaboration
Once installed, a coadjutor bishop is fully integrated into diocesan leadership. Canon 405 explains:
“A coadjutor bishop… assists the diocesan bishop in the entire governance of the diocese and takes his place if he is absent or impeded.”
(Can. 405 §2)
To give this collaboration real juridical effect, Canon 406 mandates:
“The diocesan bishop is to appoint a coadjutor bishop as vicar general.”
(Can. 406 §1)
As vicar general, the coadjutor bishop exercises executive authority throughout the diocese. This allows him to become deeply familiar with the pastoral realities, structures, and challenges of the local Church he is called to serve.
A Ministry Rooted in Communion
Canon Law places strong emphasis on unity and mutual respect among bishops:
“A diocesan bishop, a coadjutor, and the auxiliary are to consult one another on matters of major importance.”
(Can. 407 §1)
And further:
“They are to exercise their duties in such a way that they proceed in harmony with him in effort and intention.”
(Can. 407 §3)
This highlights that the coadjutor bishop is not a rival or a mere successor-in-waiting, but a collaborator who shares responsibility for both the present and future good of the diocese.
Liturgical, Pastoral, and Residential Obligations
A coadjutor bishop is fully involved in the sacramental life of the diocese:
“A coadjutor bishop… is obliged to perform pontificals and other functions to which the diocesan bishop is bound whenever the diocesan bishop requires it.”
(Can. 408 §1)
He is also bound to residence:
“Like the diocesan bishop, a coadjutor bishop… is obliged to reside in the diocese.”
(Can. 410)
These requirements emphasize that episcopal ministry is rooted in presence and pastoral closeness to the faithful.
What Happens to the Diocese of Eldoret?
Bishop Kimengich’s appointment as Coadjutor of Mombasa naturally raises questions about the Diocese of Eldoret, where he has served as diocesan bishop. Canon Law provides a clear and orderly answer.
Canon 418 states:
“A bishop who has been transferred is bound by the obligation to take possession of the new diocese… when he takes canonical possession of the new diocese, the former diocese becomes vacant.”
(Can. 418 §1)
Once Bishop Kimengich canonically takes possession of his new office in Mombasa, the Diocese of Eldoret becomes a vacant see.
A vacant see does not mean the diocese is abandoned or left without care. Rather, it marks the beginning of a carefully regulated period of transition.
Governance During a Vacant See
Canon 419 ensures immediate continuity:
“When a see is vacant, the governance of the diocese devolves upon the auxiliary bishop, if there is one; otherwise, upon the college of consultors.”
In most cases, including Eldoret, the college of consultors is responsible for electing a diocesan administrator.
Canon 421 provides a clear timeline:
“The college of consultors must elect a diocesan administrator within eight days from receiving notice of the vacancy of the episcopal see.”
(Can. 421 §1)
The diocesan administrator governs the diocese temporarily, ensuring pastoral care and administrative continuity.
Limits and Safeguards During the Transition
Canon Law deliberately limits what can be changed during a vacancy:
“When a see is vacant, nothing is to be altered.”
(Can. 428 §1)
This safeguard protects the diocese from major or irreversible decisions that should rightly belong to the future bishop. The administrator governs, but does not reshape the diocese.
At the same time, pastoral life continues normally. Canon 427 reminds us:
“The diocesan administrator has the obligations and power of a diocesan bishop, except those things which by their nature or by law are excepted.”
(Can. 427 §1)
He is also obliged to reside in the diocese and care for the spiritual needs of the faithful (Can. 427 §2).
Awaiting a New Shepherd
The responsibility for appointing a new bishop for Eldoret rests with the Holy See. While Canon Law does not set a fixed timeline, the entire interim structure exists to ensure stability, prayerful discernment, and pastoral continuity.
Once the new bishop takes canonical possession of the diocese:
“The authority of the diocesan administrator ceases.”
(Can. 430 §1)
A Church Guided by Law and Pastoral Care
Seen together, the appointment of Bishop Dominic Kimengich as Coadjutor Bishop of Mombasa and the resulting transition in Eldoret reveal the Church’s deep wisdom. Canon Law does not exist merely to regulate offices; it exists to serve people, protect communities, and ensure that the mission of the Church continues without disruption.
For Mombasa, the appointment guarantees continuity and preparedness. For Eldoret, it provides a structured, respectful period of transition. In both cases, the guiding concern remains the same: that the People of God are never left without care, leadership, or hope.
In this balance of law and pastoral life, the office of a coadjutor bishop stands as a clear sign of the Church’s commitment to continuity, communion, and the enduring care of souls.
