By, Kennedy Otieno Oyule
Monsignor Obed Muriungi Karobia, O.F.M. Conv., who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on 26th March 2026 to serve the People of God in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nairobi as the auxiliary bishop, was ordained bishop at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The episcopal ordination was led by His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, who has been appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Germany.
Born on 29th June 1979, Bishop Obed studied Philosophy at Saint Bonaventure in Lusaka and Theology at Tangaza College. He was ordained a priest on 28th July 2012. Before his episcopal appointment, he served in parish ministry, vocation promotion, formation, and leadership within the Franciscan community, including serving as Provincial Superior in Kenya. He is widely regarded as a shepherd marked by humility, collaboration, and closeness to the faithful.
Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia arrived at the Basilica accompanied by bishops from different parts of Kenya for the celebration. The Archbishop of Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of episcopal ministry in guiding and protecting the faithful, in accordance with the teachings of the Church and Sacred Scripture.
“Bishops, by divine institution, have succeeded the Apostles as shepherds of the Church,” Archbishop Anyolo said, referencing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.
He then welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the representative of the Holy Father and principal consecrator of Bishop-elect Obed Muriungi Karobia, to lead the Eucharistic celebration.
During the ordination rite, the apostolic mandate of Pope Leo XIV was read first in Latin and later in Kiswahili, officially confirming the appointment of Bishop Obed. In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio reflected on the biblical figure Obed in the Book of Ruth, describing the story as “a fascinating one.” He referred to Bishop Obed as “a son of Mount Kenya, a son of the Mountain of God, and a son of God.”
The Apostolic Nuncio also urged priests and the faithful to deepen their reverence for the Eucharist, lamenting situations where some approach the celebration unprepared or without proper devotion. He emphasized that God would judge His servants not by worldly perfection, but by their faithfulness and service.
“The higher we are elevated, the deeper we must bow,” he said. “Whoever wishes to become great according to the teachings of Jesus Christ must become the servant of all.”
During the ceremony, Rt. Rev. Obed took the solemn oath of office, pledging to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Christ, preserve the faith, remain obedient to the successor of Saint Peter, and shepherd the People of God with compassion and dedication. He also promised to care for the poor, strangers, and those in need, while carrying out the responsibilities of the fullness of the priesthood.
As part of the Litany of the Saints, Bishop-elect Obed lay prostrate before the altar as the congregation and clergy invoked the intercession of the saints. He was later ordained through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration by the bishops.
The newly ordained Bishop Obed Muriungi Karobia later addressed the congregation, expressing his gratitude to all those present.
Archbishop van Megen then anointed Bishop Obed’s head with sacred chrism oil and presented him with the symbols of episcopal ministry: the ring, symbolizing fidelity to the Church; the miter, signifying holiness and the call to sanctity; and the pastoral staff, representing his mission as shepherd of God’s people.
“Deeply humbled by the grace bestowed upon me through this episcopal ordination, I echo the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary: ‘The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name,’” he said.
Bishop Obed also assured his fellow bishops of his full collaboration and commitment as he begins his episcopal ministry in service to the Church and the People of God. Prayers and messages of support were subsequently offered for his new mission.
He is the first Kenyan-born OFM Conv. to be consecrated a Bishop and the second member of a religious order to serve as an Auxiliary Bishop in the ADN after Bishop Anthony Ireri Mukobo, a member of the Institute of the Consolata Missionaries who was later transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Isiolo where he retired in September 2024. He used to serve as Supreme Moderator of the Franciscan Servants of Mary Queen of Love, the Public Association of the Faithful of Kenya’s Ngong Catholic Diocese before being appointed by the Holy Father on March 26th 2026.
