Obed Muriungi Karobia has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi by the Holy Father, becoming the youngest newly appointed Catholic bishop in Kenya.
Born on 29 June 1979 in Meru, Kenya, Bishop-elect Muriungi is 46 years old. His appointment places him ahead of Bishop Vincent Ouma Odundo, the Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu, who previously held the distinction of Kenya’s youngest bishop for 102 days.
Education and Formation
Obed Muriungi pursued his philosophical studies at Saint Bonaventure College in Lusaka, Zambia, before earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from Tangaza College, Nairobi. He later joined the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (O.F.M. Conv.).
He made his simple profession on 24 July 2004 and his solemn profession on 10 October 2010. He was ordained a deacon on 21 May 2011 and a priest on 28 July 2012.
According to a statement from the communications office of the Vatican, the Holy See Press Office, Obed is currently a PhD candidate in Psychology at Daystar University in Nairobi.
“He is a PhD candidate in psychology at Daystar University, Nairobi, and since 2024, on appointment by the Dicastery for Evangelization, the supreme moderator of the Franciscan Servants of Mary Queen of Love public association of the faithful in the diocese of Ngong,” read the statement.
Also Read: Pope Leo XIV Appoints Rev. Fr. Obed Muriungi Karobia as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
Priestly and Leadership Background of Obed Muriungi
Since his ordination to the priesthood, Monsignor Muriungi has served in various pastoral, formation, and administrative roles within the Church:
• Parish Vicar (2012–2013): Served as an assistant priest at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Nairobi, helping with church services and pastoral work.
• Parish Priest (2013–2016): He was the main priest in charge of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, responsible for leading the parish, guiding parishioners, and overseeing church activities.
• Head of Vocations (2012–2019): Muriungi oversaw the recruitment and formation of young men interested in joining the Franciscan Conventual Friars in Kenya.
• Formator and Bursar (2016–2019): Obed helped train friars during their formation and managed the finances of the Franciscan training house in Nairobi.
• Provincial Minister (2019–2023): He was the overall leader of the Franciscan Conventual Friars in Kenya, responsible for guiding their work, administration, and direction.
• President, African Federation (2020–2023): Led and coordinated Franciscan Conventual friars across several African countries.
Since 2024, following an appointment by the Dicastery for Evangelization, he has served as Supreme Moderator of the Franciscan Servants of Mary Queen of Love, a public association of the faithful in the Diocese of Ngong.
Also Read: Pope Leo XIV Appoints Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich as Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa
Obed Muriungi Achievements
Muriungi is currently the youngest newly appointed Catholic bishop in Kenya, a rare distinction within the country’s episcopate.
In 2019, he was elected the first Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya, a role that involved guiding the establishment, governance, and pastoral direction of the Franciscan Conventual Province in the country.
During this period, he also served as President of the African Federation of Friars Minor Conventual from 2020 to 2023, providing leadership and coordination across the continent.
He has also played a central role in religious formation, first as Head of Vocations for seven years, and later as Formator and Bursar of the House of Formation in Nairobi.
Religious and Pastoral Identity
The Order of Friars Minor Conventual (O.F.M. Conv.) says Obed is a member of the Franciscan Conventual Friars with a background shaped by the Franciscan tradition, with an emphasis on fraternity, service, community life, and pastoral presence.
He belongs to the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya, where he has spent much of his priestly life in parish ministry and formation work.
As Auxiliary Bishop-elect of Nairobi, he is expected to support the archbishop in pastoral leadership, assist the clergy and parishes, and respond to the archdiocese’s growing pastoral needs.
Muriungi is remembered by parishioners for his pastoral service at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, South C, where he was known for his welcoming approach and close engagement with the faithful.
