Today, on the Feast of St. Joseph, the Spouse of Mary, the Catholic Church in Machakos celebrated the reception and installation of Rt. Rev. Joseph Maluki Mwongela as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
The Pontifical High Mass was presided over by Archbishop Bert van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and concelebrated by a number of bishops, alongside many clergy from the Dioceses of Machakos and Kitui, as well as missionary priests.
The event was also attended by thousands of faithful, religious sisters and brothers, and leaders from the Machakos County Government, led by Governor Wavinya Ndeti, her deputy, and other local political leaders.
In his homily, the Nuncio praised Bishop Mwongela as a steadfast shepherd who, in his five years of service in Kitui, has embodied the values expected of a prelate, accountability, transparency, pastoral prudence, and administrative competence. He noted that these qualities informed the decision of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to appoint him as Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos, where he is set to succeed Bishop Norman Kingโoo Wambua in the coming year.
Welcoming his successor and now principal assistant, Bishop Kingโoo expressed gratitude and joy, stating that he embraces Bishop Mwongela with an open heart. He repeatedly affirmed that he will leave office grateful, assuring the faithful that the incoming bishop will be well supported in shepherding the Diocese of Machakos. He also expressed appreciation to the Holy See for granting him the opportunity to serve in the Dioceses of Bungoma and Machakos during his episcopal ministry, noting that he will retire a fulfilled servant of the Church.
For his part, Bishop Mwongela said he comes to Machakos in a spirit of service, emphasizing co-responsibility among the faithful. He called on clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and the laity, all who labour in the vineyard of the Lord, to work together in unity and love.
In his address, Archbishop van Megen also announced that Bishop Mwongela will continue serving the people of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui as Apostolic Administrator, as the Church seeks a suitable successor. This arrangement means that the Diocese of Kitui remains vacant (sede vacante), in accordance with canon law.