The Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of the Diocese of Sheffield, recently led a five-member delegation on a weeklong visit to the Diocese of Bondo; a journey filled with nostalgia and deep significance. This was not the first time Bishop Pete had set foot in Bondo; his initial visit came in 2019, just a year after both he and the Bishop of Bondo had taken office. On that occasion, the two bishops signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formally establishing a partnership link between our dioceses.
Fast forward to 15th August 2026, when Bishop Pete returned, this time accompanied by his beloved wife, Dr Cathy Wilcox, the Very Rev Abi Thompson (Dean of Sheffield Cathedral), the Rev Adams Priestly (Priest in charge of St Vincent, Doncaster), and Jo-Ann Leavesly (President of the Mothers’ Union, Diocese of Sheffield). The week that followed proved to be one of the most memorable and moving visits in recent years.
Dean Abi had the privilege of preaching at our cathedral on 16th August, while Rev Adams delivered a stirring sermon at St Mark’s Bar Kanyango. Bishop Pete himself led a wonderful confirmation service at St Paul’s Lela Parish, Ralingo Church, where a remarkable 66 people were confirmed. We are also deeply grateful to former Cabinet Minister Hon Raphael Tuju, who graciously hosted our reception at his residence.
Between these highlights, the team enjoyed a rich programme of activities. They toured the city of Kisumu, visiting the museum and the Mega City (home to Kenya’s second-largest shopping mall). They also travelled to the archdeaconries of Chianda, where Bishop Pete laid the foundation stone for St Paul’s Church Chianda, and Usigu, where they took a memorable boat ride on the diocesan mission boat, Ludwig Krapf, at Usenge.
The Sheffield team also had the rare opportunity of attending and addressing the Diocesan Youth Rally at Majiwa parish , Bondo, where they were hosted for a rich Luo breakfast given Kenyan made gifts to remind them of the Kenyan heritage. The delegation also attended the 10th ordinary session of our diocesan synod, where they delivered a moving address about life and ministry in Sheffield.
Meanwhile, visits to the Great Lakes University of Kisumu and Bishop Okullu College have opened exciting new avenues for collaboration with institutions of higher learning in the UK. Prof. Hazel Mumbo, the Vice Chancellor of Great Lakes University, hosted a delightful luncheon for the team and shared the university’s vision for partnerships with like-minded UK institutions.
As a result of these fruitful engagements, several key areas of understanding emerged:
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- Partnership with Bishop Okullu College – clergy on sabbatical will be invited to teach at the college.
- Library support – Bishop Pete agreed to help mobilise books for the Bishop Okullu Library.
- University collaboration – the Bishop will initiate conversations between UK universities and Great Lakes University of Kisumu on areas of mutual interest.
- Deepening diocesan partnership – the agreement now includes clergy exchanges and collaboration among churches that share the same saint names.
The rich barbecue experience at Bishop Kodia’s private residence and the exchange of gifts that saw the Sheffield team adorn the Kenyan Mothers’ Union uniform and the Sheffield team gifting the Bondo team with the MU 150 years celebration badges, stickers and various MU accessories.
The visit reached its climax with a truly historic moment: Bishop Pete conducted his very first consecration service since his own consecration and enthronement as bishop in 2017. At St Luke’s Church Ndara, he consecrated the church and preached a powerful sermon that brought the visit to a stirring close.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Pete and the entire Sheffield team for their visit, their words of encouragement, and their unwavering commitment to our partnership. Their presence has not only strengthened our bonds but also opened new horizons for shared mission and growth.
May God continue to bless the partnership between the Diocese of Sheffield and the Diocese of Bondo.