HOLY FAMILY BASILICA HOSTS FIRST EPISCOPAL ORDINATION: BISHOP OBED MURIUNGI CONSECRATED AS A BISHOP OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI
The Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi overflowed with prayer, song and thanksgiving on May 6, 2026, as the Archdiocese of Nairobi welcomed its newest Auxiliary Bishop, Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia OFM Conv., in a historic episcopal ordination marked by deep symbolism, joy and a renewed call to service.
From the early hours of the day, bishops from across Kenya and beyond streamed into the Basilica, their miters raised high on their heads as signs of the dignity, holiness and authority entrusted to the shepherds of the Church. Priests, religious men and women, and thousands of faithful filled every available space within the cathedral at the heart of Nairobi.
Outside the Basilica, curious Nairobi residents paused to witness the rare spectacle unfolding within the city. Security officers directing crowds found the simplest explanation sufficient for the day’s significance: “We have a new bishop.”
Among the many delegations present, the Diocese of Meru stood out in large numbers as they came to witness the elevation of their son, Bishop-elect Obed Muriungi Karobia, to the episcopal ministry. Songs of thanksgiving echoed through the halls of the Basilica, which hosted the consecration of a bishop for the first time in its history.
At 47 years old, Bishop-elect Obed walked solemnly towards the sanctuary accompanied by two companion priests, carrying the papal bull, the official apostolic letter bearing the seal of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointing him to the episcopacy. Every word of the Latin document carried the weight of the Holy Father’s trust and mission for the Church in Kenya.
During the Rite of Ordination, in complete surrender to God’s will, the bishop-elect lay prostrate on the floor of the sanctuary as the Litany of Saints was sung over him. He was then led through the sacred signs of episcopal office: the anointing with Sacred Chrism as a sign of sharing in Christ’s priesthood; the Book of the Gospels held above his head as a symbol of submission to the Word of God; the episcopal ring placed on his finger as a sign of fidelity to the Church; the zucchetto and miter placed upon his head; and finally the pastoral staff entrusted to him as a shepherd of Christ’s flock.
The ordination Mass was led by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Bert van Megen, whose homily resonated with great significance of the celebration. In what many recognized as one of his final public homilies in Kenya before his transfer to Germany, the Nuncio reflected on the biblical meaning of the name Obed, “servant,” drawing parallels with the story of Ruth and the call to humble service in the Church.
“Obed, the servant, learned how to serve from his own mother, Ruth,” Archbishop van Megen said, urging the new bishop to embrace humility and closeness to the people of God.
“The higher we are elevated, the deeper we must bow,” he added, reminding the faithful that leadership in the Church is ultimately a call to service.
The Nuncio also challenged priests and bishops to rediscover reverence for the Eucharist and authentic care for the poor, the sick and the forgotten, drawing inspiration from the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi.
The celebration also became an emotional moment of farewell for Archbishop van Megen, who was praised by the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, for bringing the office of the Apostolic Nuncio closer to ordinary Christians during his seven years of mission in Kenya.
“Your Excellency, thank you very much. We will fondly miss your presence and the way you have carried out your office in Kenya,” Archbishop Muhatia said as the congregation rose in applause.
In his first address as bishop, his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV, the bishops of Kenya, the clergy, religious and faithful who accompanied him throughout his vocation journey.
“With a heart filled with profound gratitude to Almighty God, I stand before you deeply humbled by the grace bestowed upon me through this episcopal ordination,” he said.
The new auxiliary bishop pledged to serve with humility, love and availability, asking the faithful to pray that he may become “a shepherd after the heart of Christ himself, poor, humble and close to the people.”
During the occasion, it was also announced that the Subukia National Shrine had been designated as a pilgrimage site for the Year of St. Francis, where pilgrims may receive the indulgences granted by the Holy Father.
This unique celebration in the making of a bishop began the previous day, with Bishop-elect Obed Muriungi (now Bishop Obed Muriungi) being received at the Holy Family Basilica alongside his delegation for Evening Prayer (Vespers).
Msgr. Obed being welcomed at the HFB 
For the second time in its history, the Archdiocese of Nairobi came alive with dance, song, and jubilant celebration as it welcomed yet another shepherd to help lead the local Church. The appointment of Monsignor Obed Muriungi Karobia, OFM Conv., as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi not only marked a historic moment for the Archdiocese, but also revived the missionary spirit last witnessed 26 years ago, when Rt. Rev. Ireri Mukobo, I.M.C., of the Consolata Missionaries, was appointed Auxiliary Bishop alongside Bishop David Kamau. The new shepherd will assist His Grace, Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, and His Lordship, Rt. Rev. David Kamau, in leading the mission of Christ in the Metropolitan See of Nairobi.
