Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Obed Muriungi Karobia, OFM Conventual, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, strengthening apostolic leadership in one of Kenya’s most vibrant ecclesiastical jurisdictions.
The appointment was officially announced in Rome on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at noon (2:00 p.m. local time in Kenya).
It was formally communicated to the Kenyan Bishops through the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Bert Van Megen. This signals a strategic reinforcement of pastoral governance within the Archdiocese.
Bishop-elect Karobia, a member of the Franciscan Conventual Friars, brings to the episcopacy a rich heritage of Franciscan spirituality grounded in humility, fraternity, and service.
His elevation to the episcopate marks a significant milestone not only for the Franciscan family in Kenya but also for the local Church, as it continues to navigate expanding pastoral demands in an increasingly dynamic urban context.
Born on June 29, 1979, in Meru, Kenya, Bishop-elect Karobia has journeyed through a steady path of religious formation and priestly ministry.
He made his simple profession in 2004 and his solemn profession in 2010 before being ordained a priest in 2012. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through dedicated pastoral service, leadership within the Franciscan fraternity, and a deep commitment to evangelization.
Notably, in 2019, he was elected the first Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis in Kenya, a foundational leadership role that positioned him at the forefront of shaping the identity and mission of the Franciscan Conventuals in the country.
As Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop-elect Karobia will support the Archbishop in shepherding the faithful, enhancing pastoral outreach, and strengthening ecclesial structures.
His Franciscan charism, rooted in the legacy of Francis of Assisi, is expected to enrich the Archdiocese’s mission, especially in areas of social justice, care for the vulnerable, and fostering a spirit of synodality.
With this appointment, the Church opens a new chapter of servant leadership, anchored in faith, energized by mission, and aligned with the evolving pastoral landscape of Nairobi.
