The Archdiocese of Nairobi has officially welcomed a new Auxiliary Bishop following the episcopal ordination of Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
The colourful and spiritually significant ceremony drew hundreds of faithful, clergy, religious leaders, family members, and invited guests from across the country, marking a major milestone in the leadership of the Catholic Church in Kenya.
Presiding over the ordination was the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, His Excellency Hubertus van Megen, who urged Christians and Church leaders to embrace humility and selfless service as the foundation of true leadership in the Church.
In his message during the celebration, the Vatican envoy reminded the congregation that greatness in the Church is not measured by power or status, but by commitment to serving God’s people with compassion, integrity, and dedication.
“True greatness in the Church is found in humble service,” he said, calling on the newly ordained bishop to shepherd the faithful with wisdom, love, and fidelity to the Gospel.
Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia’s ordination marks a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Nairobi at a time when the Church continues to play a critical role in promoting moral values, social justice, education, and peace-building in society.
Before his appointment, Bishop Karobia had built a strong reputation within the Church through pastoral ministry, leadership, and academic engagement. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Daystar University, a field expected to enrich his pastoral mission and strengthen mental health awareness within faith communities.
The ceremony also highlighted the close relationship between faith and academia, with senior officials from Daystar University attending the event in support of the new bishop. Among those present were the University Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Research and Student Affairs (ARSA), faculty members, and fellow PhD students.
Church leaders who addressed the congregation expressed confidence in Bishop Karobia’s ability to support the Archbishop in serving the growing Catholic population in Nairobi and beyond. They described him as a humble, disciplined, and visionary servant leader committed to strengthening evangelisation and pastoral care.
The ordination ceremony featured special prayers, hymns, scripture readings, and traditional Catholic rites associated with the consecration of a bishop, creating an atmosphere of joy and spiritual reflection within the packed basilica.
Faithful who attended the ceremony welcomed the appointment with optimism, saying the new Auxiliary Bishop’s experience in ministry and education would greatly contribute to the Church’s mission, especially among the youth and families facing modern social challenges.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi remains one of the largest and most influential Catholic jurisdictions in the region, overseeing numerous parishes, schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions that continue to impact communities across the country.
