By Andrew Kariuki
The Catholic Church has announced the appointment of Bishop Joseph Mwongela as the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, following a decision by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
The news was delivered by Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Van Megan, during the reception ceremony of Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos Diocese.
As Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos, he is set to take over shepherdship as the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Machakos
Machakos Diocese is currently under the leadership Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua, who is set to retire next year.
The appointment places Bishop Mwongela in temporary charge of the diocese, where he will oversee pastoral and administrative responsibilities pending the appointment of a substantive bishop.
Bishop Mwongela, until his appointment as coadjutor bishop, served as the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Kitui.
As Apostolic Administrator, he will be tasked with ensuring continuity in the leadership of the Kitui Diocese, including overseeing church programs, clergy coordination and the spiritual welfare of the faithful.
The position of Apostolic Administrator is typically assigned in situations where a diocese becomes vacant or requires interim leadership, allowing the Church to maintain stability and proper governance during the transition period.
The appointment is expected to provide steady leadership to the Diocese of Kitui as the Church prepares for the eventual installation of a new bishop.
