Kitui Vicar General Rev. Fr. John Mwandi, who has been appointed the Bishop of the Kitui Catholic Diocese/Musembi Nzengu.Kitui Vicar General Rev. Fr. John Mwandi has been appointed the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Kitui.
The appointment was made by Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday.
Mwandi was unveiled by his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Mwongela, who was recently transferred to head the Machakos Catholic Diocese.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a ceremony to commission newly elected diocesan leaders who will serve a three-year term. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Mwongela.
Since Kitui became a full diocese in 1963, it has been led by Bishop William Dunne (1963–1995), Bishop Boniface Lele (1995–2005), Archbishop Antony Muheria (2008–2017) and Bishop Joseph Mwongela from 2020-2026.
Announcing his successor at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral
in Kitui town, Mwongela described the occasion as a moment of great joy
for the faithful.
“This is a day of great joy as we formally receive the news of the appointment of my successor to continue shepherding the Kitui Diocese. I am delighted. The person who has been appointed is among us on this occasion,” Mwongela said amid cheers from the congregation.
He described Mwandi as a dedicated servant of the church who had worked closely with him in his role as Vicar General.
Mwongela added that within the next two to three months, Mwandi will officially assume office as the substantive Bishop of Kitui
following his consecration.
“It is a moment of joy not only for Kitui but for the entire country. I am grateful to the Pope for appointing him and I urge the people of Kitui to give him support for the continued growth and progress of our diocese,” he added.
Speaking after the announcement, Mwandi said he was humbled and grateful for the appointment to lead the diocese.
“I thank God for finding me worthy and capable of serving as bishop. I will continue with the work we began under the leadership of Bishop Mwongela to ensure the diocese continues to grow successfully,” he said.
The bishop-designate also pledged to initiate more projects aimed at strengthening the church’s mission and ensuring continuity of its programmes.
He also promised to work closely with all people, both within and outside the Kitui Diocese, to ensure the work of God continues to flourish.
