Bishop Cornelius Korir dies during treatment
Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Cornelius Korir is dead, the church has confirmed.
Bishop Korir, 67, was pronounced dead on arrival a St Lukes Hospital in Eldoret.
“He developed complications at his Elgon View home and he was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately he passed on,” said a worker at the church.
Church officials have contacted the bishop’s family in Kericho and told them of his demise.
The bishop was set to be flown to Karen Hospital in Nairobi later Moday for specialised treatment.
PEACE EFFORTS
Bishop Korir was instrumental in peace efforts in banditry prone North Rift.
He will also be remembered for being among bishops who unsuccessfully tried to end the political standoff in the country by bringing President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga to dialogue.
Bishop Korir was also instrumental in evacuating IDPs to safety during the height of post-election violence in 2007/2008 in the North Rift region, which was the epicentre of the chaos.
Viewing of the body is scheduled for 1pm at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret.
PEACEMAKER
President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the bishop, describing him as a great religious leader and an excellent peacemaker.
“I join the Catholic Church in mourning a great religious leader whose exemplary service calls for emulation by others,” President Kenyatta said.
“In this hour of sorrow, and on behalf of the people and Government of Kenya, I convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Catholic
Here are some reactions from Kenyans on Twitter.
In this hour of sorrow I convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Catholic church & the family of the late Bishop Korir
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) October 30, 2017
Bishop Korir.
I have no words.
You have been such a force for good. May the Lord rest your good soul in eternal peace. ?#RIPBishopKorir— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) October 30, 2017
Bishop Korir was a true leader, an agent of peace and a servant of God whom we all admired.#RIPCorneliusKorir pic.twitter.com/v5Av1Ox7US
— Arnold™ (@arnoldi254) October 30, 2017
My condolences to family,church&friends for the sudden demise of Bishop Korir.I knew the Bishop as a champion for peace and human rights RIP pic.twitter.com/Pfav2sX15u
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) October 30, 2017
Bishop Korir was a collected man who had the knack to cool flaring political tempers.
He signed my HELB form in 2011.#RIPCorneliusKorir— Jim Nkurunziza (@_nkurunzizah) October 30, 2017
Bishop Korir was a genuine Christian who loved truly. Such a great man. #RIPCorneliusKorir
— Beryl Orao (@beryl_orao) October 30, 2017
In 2008 Archbishop Nzeki and I was hosted by Bishop Korir ib his office and at home to talk over reconcling warring groups.I'll miss Korir.
— Timothy Njoya (@timothynjoya) October 30, 2017
Thank you Bishop Korir for shaping my christian life since I was young.I am what I am today because of you #RIPCorneliusKorir
— Job Mwaura (@JobMwaura) October 30, 2017