In a momentous development for the Catholic Church in Kenya, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Father Obed Muriungi Karobia as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The announcement, which has sparked widespread celebration within the Catholic community, was made public on Thursday, March 26, during a solemn 1 pm Mass at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Bert van Megen, delivered the news to the faithful, marking a historic milestone in the life of the Church in Kenya. Reverence and joy filled the basilica as the congregation celebrated the appointment of the new bishop, a move that underscores the Vatican’s continued commitment to fortifying the leadership of the Church in Africa.
As Auxiliary Bishop, Muriungi will lend his expertise in both the spiritual and administrative spheres, assisting in the oversight of the Archdiocese of Nairobi—one of the largest and most influential Catholic dioceses in East Africa. His appointment further strengthens the Church’s efforts to address the evolving needs of its growing congregation in the region.
Born on June 29, 1979, in Meru County, Muriungi has built an impressive career in religious service. After professing his solemn vows in 2010 under the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, he was ordained as a priest in 2012. His journey through the ranks of the Church has been marked by a series of leadership roles. Notably, he was appointed as the first Minister Provincial of the newly formed Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya. Muriungi also served as a parish priest at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in South C, Nairobi, and worked as the Vocations Promoter for the Conventual Franciscan Friars in Kenya.
A statement from the Archdiocese of Nairobi read, “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Obed Muriungi Karobia O.F.M Conventual as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. He is the first Conventual Franciscan friar and missionary to be appointed as a bishop in Kenya. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Monsignor Obed Muriungi on this momentous appointment.”
This appointment is a significant step in the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Church’s presence and leadership in Kenya, ensuring that it remains responsive to the spiritual and social needs of the Kenyan faithful.
In a related development, just one day prior to Muriungi’s appointment, Pope Leo XIV also named Reverend Simon Peter Kamomoe as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Wote in Makueni County. Kamomoe's appointment follows the resignation of Reverend Paul Kariuki, who stepped down due to health concerns that had made it increasingly difficult for him to fulfill his episcopal duties. Kariuki’s resignation was made public on Wednesday, March 25, and was formally communicated to Kenya’s bishops by Archbishop van Megen.
The wave of recent appointments reflects the Vatican's ongoing focus on ensuring strong leadership across the Church, addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities in Kenya and beyond.