The office of the Auxiliary Bishop involves assisting the Diocesan Bishop (Local Ordinary) in the pastoral care and administration of a diocese. Auxiliary Bishops are appointed by the Holy See, especially when the diocese is large or has a dense population. They share in the fullness of the priesthood with the Archbishop but have limited governing authority, primarily supporting the Local Ordinary in various ecclesiastical functions such as Confirmations, Ordinations, and representing the bishop at different events.
Auxiliary Bishops may also be assigned specific roles, such as Vicar General or Episcopal Vicar for particular groups and are often responsible for regional governance or special ministries within the diocese. They must reside within the diocese and work closely with the Local Ordinary, acting in harmony for the good of the diocese.
Unlike a coadjutor bishop, an Auxiliary Bishop does not have the right of succession upon the resignation, transfer, or death of the Local Ordinary. If the diocesan seat becomes vacant, the Auxiliary Bishop retains his previous faculties but does not gain additional powers unless appointed as Diocesan Administrator.
Below is a biography of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Nairobi:
Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a was born in Ikinu, Githunguri, Kiambu County, as the second born in a family of four boys. His journey into the priesthood began with his early education at Ikinu Primary School in Kiambu County, which he attended from 1964 to 1970. He then joined Queen of Apostles Seminary in 1971, where he completed his secondary education in 1974. Bishop Kamau pursued his philosophical studies at St. Augustine Seminary, Mabanga, starting in 1975, and later moved to St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary for his theological studies.
He was ordained a priest on 10th January 1982 and began his priestly ministry at Our Lady of Visitation Makadara Parish. Over the years, Bishop Kamau served in various parishes and institutions within the Archdiocese of Nairobi, gaining significant pastoral and administrative experience. He also served as the Rector of St. Augustine Senior Seminary, Mabanga, where he played a crucial role in the formation of future priests.
On 22nd December 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. He was consecrated as a bishop on 18th March 2000. In addition to his role as an Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop Kamau has also served as the Apostolic Administrator of both the Archdiocese of Nairobi and the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, providing leadership during critical transitional periods.
Bishop Obed Muriungi Karobia was born on 29th June 1979 in Kabutukii village, Meru County, into a family of eight children. His early life was shaped by faith, family, farming, and community. His encounters with Franciscan missionaries during childhood left a lasting impression and later influenced his decision to pursue religious life.
He formally joined the Conventual Franciscan Friars in 2001, beginning a formation journey that took him through Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, and later Nairobi. He studied philosophy at St. Bonaventure College in Zambia and theology at Tangaza College. He was ordained a deacon in 2011 and a priest on 28th July 2012.
His priestly ministry has combined pastoral service, formation, leadership, and psychological accompaniment. He served as Parish Priest at St. Catherine of Alexandria, South C, and as Vocations Director for seven years. His pastoral experience led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and he later began doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at Daystar University.
In 2019, he was elected the first Provincial Minister of the St. Francis of Assisi Conventual Franciscan Province in Kenya. He was later elected President of the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans in 2020.
He was ordained a Bishop on 6th May 2026 at the Holy Family Minor Basilica.