President William Ruto has appointed Kenya’s new Ambassador to the Vatican, The Holy See.
For years, Kenya’s relations with the Vatican have been managed through non-resident accreditation via the Embassy in France.
In a gazette notice dated May 6, Ruto appointed Dr. Julius Murori Mbijiwe, PhD, as the country’s Ambassador to the Vatican.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint— Julius Murori Mbijiwe (DR.) to be an Ambassador within the Foreign Service of the Republic of Kenya,” read the notice in part.
Ruto Appoints Dr. Julius Murori Vatican Ambassador
Murori was appointed after the National Assembly approved his nomination.
The approval followed the tabling of a report by the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations after vetting sessions held on 27 April 2026.
The process was conducted in line with Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution, the Foreign Service Act, and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
It also included public participation and integrity checks by relevant statutory bodies.
The Defence Committee confirmed that Dr. Mbijiwe met all constitutional requirements, including those outlined under Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
Also Read: Kibiwott Named Ambassador for Ruto’s Multi-billion Shilling Project
While presenting the report in the House, Committee Vice Chairperson Abdullahi Bashir noted that the nominee demonstrated strong academic and professional qualifications, holding a doctorate in Project Planning and Management.
Dr Julius Murori Career
He also highlighted Dr. Murori’s extensive experience in governance, which included his service in the Meru County Assembly and his current role as Chief of Staff in Meru County.
“His tenure in the Meru County Assembly, coupled with his current role as Chief of Staff in Meru County, demonstrates practical competence in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and public finance oversight,” stated Bashir.
Prior to his appointment, Julius Murori served in Meru County, where he was involved in public service and governance.
He also served in the Meru County Assembly as Mwanganthia Ward MCA for a period of ten years from 2013-2022
During his vetting, Dr. Mbijiwe disclosed a net worth of Ksh80 million.
Also Read: Marco Rubio Meets Pope Leo XIV in Rome as U.S.-Vatican Tensions Rise Over Iran War
Education
Dr. Mbijiwe holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.
He also has a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.
The new Vatican Ambassador also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Science) from Kenyatta University.
