KENYA: Bishops Appoint Rev. Fr. Jude James Waweru as General Secretary of KCCB – General Secretariat
KENYA: Bishops Appoint Rev. Fr. Jude James Waweru as General Secretary of KCCB – General Secretariat
By Rose Achiego Ande
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has announced the appointment of Rev. Fr. Jude Waweru from the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, as the new General Secretary of the KCCB – General Secretariat (GS). The appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Jude James Waweru became effective on 2nd January 2024. He succeeds Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, who has been assigned to establish a new parish in the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega (Divine Mercy Parish, Khaimba).
Fr. Waweru brings with him a wealth of experience, having served at the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) for ten years, Queen of Apostle Ruaraka Parish for nine years, and John The Baptist Riruta Parish in his most recent assignment. He has been introduced to the Catholic Secretariat Staff, taking over responsibilities from Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, including the handover by the management team and the duties of the General Secretary.
During the New Year opening Mass at the Catholic Secretariat, Waumini House, on 4th January 2024, the Chairman of KCCB, Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, who is the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, officially presented the new General Secretary to the staff.
Archbishop Kivuva welcomed and congratulated Fr. Waweru, expressing confidence in his capabilities. He assured him of the full support of the KCCB and extended gratitude to the outgoing General Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo. Additionally, Archbishop Kivuva thanked The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, for allowing the former General Secretary to serve at the General Secretariat.
Speaking at the same occasion, The KCCB Principle Administrator and the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia, acknowledged Fr. Lugonzo’s three years of service and welcomed Fr. Waweru to the Secretariat. He congratulated Fr. Waweru, expressing belief in his knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute to the work entrusted to him.
Archbishop Muhatia emphasized the need for collaboration with the clergy, religious, and lay employees, in anticipating that Fr. Waweru will effectively carry out his duties in alignment with the expectations of the Bishops, focusing on evangelization and coordination of bishops’ activities.
Meanwhile, the KCCB Deputy General Secretary Rev. Fr. Bernard Ngaruya extended congratulations to Fr. Waweru for accepting the responsibility and pledged collaborative efforts to enhance the functioning of the secretariat with new energy. The clergy, religious, and staff at the secretariat received Fr. Waweru warmly, expressing hope for positive contributions under his leadership.
