Bishop Philip Anyolo of Homa Bay Diocese has been named the new apostolic administrator for Nakuru Diocese, following the elevation and transfer of Archbishop Peter Kairo to Nyeri.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Archbishop Paul Allain Lebeaupin announced the appointment to priests and lay leaders of Nakuru last week. The nuncio asked the leaders to support the administrator as they awaited a new bishop.

Nakuru, a diocese in the volatile Rift Valley province, fell vacant on April 19 after Pope Benedict elevated Bishop Kairo to the rank of metropolitan archbishop and appointed him to the Archdiocese of Nyeri in central Kenya.

"We have heard your cry and understand that your diocese is seriously in need of a shepherd. I can assure you that you will not feel orphaned," the nuncio told the gathering, which included leaders from all the 42 parishes in the diocese and secretariat personnel. He was accompanied by Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop-elect Kairo and Bishop Anyolo.

Monsignor Moses Muraya, the vicar-general of Nakuru, told the nuncio that the priests would welcome and work with whoever the pope appointed to the diocese.

Speaking at the event, Cardinal Njue urged the government to beef up security in the Rift Valley as it resettled people displaced by the post-election violence.

Thousands of displaced people last week began their journey back home in military trucks and buses, amidst confusion and uncertainty. The programme, dubbed 'Operation Rudi Nyumbani' (return home) is going on.