By Bonface Mulyungi
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Rev. Fr. John Mbua Mwandi as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui.
The news of the appointment was officially made public on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at 1.00 p.m. East African Time (12.00 p.m. in Rome), and communicated to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Bert van Megen, marking a significant moment in the pastoral life and mission of the Diocese of Kitui.
The announcement was further confirmed by the Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos and Apostolic Administrator of Kitui, Joseph Mwongela, during a Church leaders’ induction meeting held at the Cathedral in Kitui.
Bishop-elect Mwandi succeeds the current diocesan leadership following the appointment of Bishop Joseph Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos earlier this year.
A Shepherd Rooted in Pastoral Ministry
Rev. Fr. John Mbua Mwandi has faithfully served the Church in the Diocese of Kitui in various pastoral and administrative capacities over the years. He is widely recognized for his dedication to evangelization, pastoral care, diocesan development, and the strengthening of ecclesial partnerships.
Before his appointment, Fr. Mwandi served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Kitui and previously held the responsibility of Financial Administrator of the Diocese. He has also contributed significantly to pastoral formation, development programs, and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of local communities.
His ministry has particularly stood out through the long-standing partnership between the Diocese of Kitui and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in the United States. Through this collaboration, communities in the arid region of Kitui have benefited from various development projects, including access to clean water through sand dams and rainwater harvesting systems, educational support, and pastoral exchange programs.
Bishop-elect Mwandi has remained a strong advocate for solidarity, community empowerment, and the mission of the Church as a sign of hope and service to the people of God.
Background of the Diocese of Kitui
The Catholic Diocese of Kitui traces its roots to the Apostolic Prefecture of Kitui, established in 1956 before being elevated to a Diocese on November 16, 1963.
Over the years, the Diocese has played a vital role in evangelization, education, healthcare, and social transformation within the larger Eastern region of Kenya, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas facing challenges such as water scarcity and poverty.
The Diocese has been shepherded by notable Church leaders, including Bishop Emeritus William Dunne, the late Archbishop Emeritus Boniface Lele, Archbishop Anthony Muheria, and Bishop Joseph Mwongela.
Today, the Diocese of Kitui is known for its vibrant Small Christian Communities, active lay participation, flourishing vocations, and strong missionary spirit.
The appointment of Bishop-elect Mwandi comes at a time when the Church continues to call for servant leadership, renewed evangelization, and pastoral accompaniment rooted in faith, compassion, and hope.
