The late Maurice Mwongela, father to Bishop Joseph Mwongela, has been laid to rest at his home in Kakumi Village.
Maurice passed away on 8th February 2026 while receiving treatment at The Mater Hospital in Nairobi at the age of 97.
He has been eulogized as a man of strong faith, generosity, humility, integrity and dedication to his family and the Church.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, while the homily was delivered by Archbishop Anthony Muheria.
In his homily, Archbishop Muheria reminded the faithful that they had gathered as pilgrims of hope to celebrate the faith of Maurice. He noted that faith is tested through hardships, sickness and even being misunderstood by others, but such trials purify and strengthen authentic Christian faith. He emphasized that love has no limits and calls for total self-giving. Through Baptism, Christians are united with the sufferings of Christ, and suffering in Christian life carries deep meaning when embraced in faith.
Reflecting on the Beatitudes, he described them as the “heavenly identity card” of every believer: “I was hungry and you gave me food.” He urged the faithful to practice works of mercy beginning at home, stressing that true identity is love not love expressed merely in words, but love lived from the heart and spirit.
Bishops present were Archbishop Philip Anyolo; Archbishop Anthony Muheria; Bishop Joseph Mwongela; Bishop Jackson Murugara, IMC; Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a; Bishop Peter Makau Munguti; Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe; Bishop David Kamau; Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho; Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u; and Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua. The office of the Nuncio was represented by monisgro Luciano Lubance.
The burial was also attended by clergy, religious, faithful from within and outside the Diocese, national CWA and CMA officials, Governor Julius Malombe, senator Enoch Kiio, Kitui County assembly speaker Kevin Katisya, among other dignitaries.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
