Pope Francis Appoints New Leaders in Kenya

The Catholic Church in Kenya, Pope Francis has appointed Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a as the new Bishop of the Military Ordinariate and Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndu’ngu as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu. The announcement was made public through L’Osservatore Romano in Rome and was relayed to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) by His Excellency Archbishop Bert van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan. This change in leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic community in Kenya, particularly within the military and the diocese of Embu.

Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a: A Journey of Faith and Leadership

Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a’s journey within the Catholic Church is a testament to dedication, spiritual growth, and leadership. Born and raised in Kenya, he embarked on his spiritual journey at St. Mary’s Molo Seminary in 1996, where he began his formation during his Spiritual Year. His commitment to the priesthood saw him pursue philosophical studies at St. Augustine Major Seminary Mabanga from 1997 to 1998, followed by theological studies at St. Mathias Mulumba Major Seminary in Eldoret between 1999 and 2003. Bishop Ng’ang’a also holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (C.U.E.A), further enhancing his theological and pastoral knowledge.

Ordained as a priest on 21st May 2005, Bishop Ng’ang’a quickly took on various roles within the Church, showcasing his leadership and pastoral skills. He served in several parishes, beginning as a deacon at St. John the Evangelist parish Githiga and later as the assistant Father-in-Charge at Sts. Peter and Paul Kiambu. His journey continued with significant roles, including serving as the Father in Charge at St. Peter the Apostle Kikuyu Parish and later as the Pastoral Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. His experience in diverse pastoral roles has prepared him well for his current leadership position.

Before his appointment as the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate, Bishop Ng’ang’a was the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, following his Apostolic Ordination and Installation on 6th April 2024. His appointment as Bishop on 14th February 2024 also led him to serve as the Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications and Vice Chairman of the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate at the KCCB. These roles have provided him with a platform to influence and guide the Church’s communication and pastoral activities across Kenya.

As the new Bishop of the Military Ordinariate, Bishop Ng’ang’a is tasked with the spiritual care of the Kenyan military and their families. This role is crucial, as it requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, including the ethical and moral dilemmas that may arise in their line of duty. Bishop Ng’ang’a’s extensive pastoral experience, combined with his commitment to the Church, makes him well-suited to lead this important mission.

Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndung’u: A Life Dedicated to Service

Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndung’u’s appointment as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu is another significant development for the Church in Kenya. Born in 1966 in Kamuchege village, Githunguri Parish, Fr. Kimani has had a long and dedicated journey within the Church. His early education at Queen of Apostles Junior Seminary, followed by his advanced studies at the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary, laid a strong foundation for his vocation.

Fr. Kimani’s academic pursuits in philosophical and religious studies, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology, were followed by his ordination as a deacon in 1994 and as a priest in 1995. His service within the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has been marked by various roles, including National Chaplain of the Kenya Prison Service. His commitment to pastoral care, especially within the correctional system, is evident in his specialized training, including certificates in Counselling Skills for Rehabilitation of Offenders and Trauma Counselling Skills. His leadership extended to his role as the Africa Representative to the International Catholic Commission for Prisons Pastoral Care (ICCPPC), where he played a crucial role in advocating for the spiritual needs of prisoners across the continent.

As the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu, Fr. Kimani will oversee the spiritual and administrative needs of the diocese. His experience in pastoral care, particularly in challenging environments, positions him well to lead the diocese in addressing both spiritual and social issues. His commitment to the rehabilitation and support of those in correctional facilities reflects a deep understanding of the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized and the oppressed.

The appointments of Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a and Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndung’u mark a new chapter for the Catholic Church in Kenya. Their respective roles in the Military Ordinariate and the Diocese of Embu come at a time when the Church faces various challenges, both within the country and globally. Their leadership, rooted in deep spiritual commitment and extensive pastoral experience, is expected to guide the Catholic community in Kenya toward a future of growth, compassion, and service.

These appointments also highlight the ongoing commitment of Pope Francis to ensure that the Church remains responsive to the needs of its faithful across the world. For the Catholics in Kenya, the leadership of Bishop Ng’ang’a and Bishop Kimani represents a continuity of faith and a renewal of the Church’s mission to serve God and humanity in all circumstances.