Nairobi: The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Hubertus Van Megen, on Wednesday ordained Monsignor Obed Muriungi Karobia as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi at a ceremony held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica Catholic Church, Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ceremony attracted hundreds of faithfuls, along with Archbishops, Bishops, and clergy from across the globe. It was also an occasion to bid farewell to Apostolic Nuncio Van Megan, who has been assigned by Pope Leo XIV for an Apostolic mission to Germany. Pope Leo XIV appointed Monsignor Obed, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, as the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi on March 26, 2026.
Addressing the congregation, which included the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, Phillip Anyolo, and the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, the Nuncio urged Bishop Obed to be a servant-leader and serve all in the vineyard of the Lord while shepherding his flock. Van Megan emphasized the importance of being eager to serve and the necessity for clergy to always be ready to serve the poor, the rejected, and the broken-hearted.
In his remarks, Archbishop Muhatia bid farewell to Nuncio Van Megen, acknowledging his contributions during his tenure. Muhatia noted that the Nuncio strengthened the link between the church and the Pope’s office in Rome, facilitating growth in various sectors of the church. He expressed that Kenya would miss Van Megen’s presence and prayed for success in his new mission in Germany.
Bishop Obed expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his appointment and promised to serve with humility and joy. He assured Archbishop Anyolo of his collaboration in serving the people of God. Bishop Obed will support Archbishop Anyolo alongside Bishop David Kamau, collaborating with clergy and laity in service to God. He joined the Friars Minor Conventual congregation and was ordained a priest on July 28, 2012.
