In a rare honour for the Catholic Church in Kenya, Deacon Joseph Mutisya of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui is set to be ordained to the priesthood by Pope Leo XIV himself on June 27th at a solemn ceremony in Rome.
Deacon Mutisya will be accompanied by Fr. Josephat Ndunda and is the first from Kitui Diocese to receive priestly ordination directly from the Holy Father, marking a profound milestone not only for his personal journey but also for the growing prominence of African vocations in the global Church.
Born and raised in Kitui County, Joseph Mutisya began his academic path at Katyethoka Primary School, completing his KCPE in 2007, before joining Kwa-Ukungu Secondary School, where he sat his KCSE in 2012.
His call to priesthood led him to Christ the King Major Seminary, where he undertook a decade of formation.
He holds degrees in both Philosophy and Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), as well as a Certificate in Spiritual Studies.
Ordained a deacon by Bishop Joseph Mwongela on 8th December 2024, Deacon Mutisya has since served at St. Francis of Assisi Kamutei Parish and as Diocesan Youth Coordinator, roles through which he’s become a mentor and spiritual companion to many young Catholics across Kitui.
A Sign of Growing African Presence in Global Church
While priestly ordinations are common, it is exceptional for a diocesan deacon to be ordained directly by the Pope.
The ordination of Deacon Mutisya in Rome signals the Vatican’s increasing recognition of African clergy as central to the Church’s future.
The Catholic Diocese of Kitui, which currently has 97 priests and 80 seminarians, is a thriving hub of vocations.
Its current Pastoral Strategic Plan 2024–2028 aims to ordain 50 priests by 2028 — a goal that reflects both local commitment and a divine call felt by many.
Already, 10 new seminarians are scheduled to begin formation at the Major Seminary in August.
Deacons Emmanuel Mwanzia, Julius Munyoki, Joseph Manzi, Stephen Kivite, and Martin Ndonyi, who were ordained alongside Deacon Mutisya last December, are expected to be ordained priests on 8th December 2025.
On that day, the Diocese will also ordain 15 new deacons, continuing its mission of preparing young men for service at the altar and among the people.
Deacon Joseph Mutisya’s ordination by Pope Leo XIV is a powerful symbol of the Church’s growing embrace of African faith leadership.
“This ordination is a reminder that God calls from everywhere, even the drylands of Kitui,” Deacon Mutisya said in a message to youth ahead of his departure for Rome.
