KENYA: Nairobi Archdiocese Buzzes with Excitement Over Appointment of Two Auxiliary Bishops
New auxiliary bishops, Mons. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi and Mons. Simon Peter Kamomoe respectively
Elizabeth Asasha
The Metropolitan See of Nairobi has been sizzling in excitement following the appointment of two new auxiliary bishops, Mons. Simon Peter Kamomoe and Mons. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi, a move aimed at bolstering pastoral and administrative capacities within the Archdiocese.
Tuesday, February 13, the typically pacific environment at the Holy Family Minor Basilica (HFMB) at the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, raptured into jubilation as the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Most Rev. Hubertus Matheus Maria Van Megen, delivered a succinct statement to Catholics announcing the good news from the Holy See.
Reacting to the news, the Archbishop of Nairobi Most Rev. Arnold Subira Anyolo expressed gratitude for the timely appointments noting the indispensable role the new bishops would play in lightening the workload borne by the current pastoral leadership.
“We thank God for giving us bishops here in the capital of Nairobi, it is a great message because we need pastors because the work is plentiful but the laborers are few,” remarked Archbishop Anyolo, excerpting the gospel of Mathew 9:37-38 to emphasize the significance of the elevation of the two priests that happened on Shrove Tuesday, the final day of Shrovetide, marking the end of pre-lent.
“We are very blessed to have these two bishops who will become assistants in the Archdiocese,” acknowledged Archbishop Anyolo during a live interview on Ash Wednesday, February 14, immediately after presiding over mass.
The sentiments were echoed by Rev. Fr. Bernard Kabiu, the Liturgical Coordinator of the Archdiocese, who lauded the transformative impact of the appointed priests within their respective ministries, underscoring their suitability for the new roles.
“Sometimes the work is overwhelming to Archbishop Anyolo and the Auxiliary bishop David Kamau and if you were to check their diaries from now you cannot get a free weekend to December.” Revealed Fr. Kabiu adding that the new auxiliary bishops will ease the workload, particularly in celebrations of conferring Holy Sacraments which tend to have high numbers of candidates summing to hundreds.
The joyous news has resonated deeply with priests and parishioners alike, with many expressing their heartfelt congratulations and prayers for the newly appointed bishops.
“We are grateful for the wonderful news of the appointment, and we thank God for the journey of Faith we have had with him, leading us to the way of God,” Bernard Owuor, HFMB’s moderator laid bare his glee about Fr. Kamomoe, who has served as their pastor for more than a decade.
Owuor described Fr. Kamomoe as, “A serious administrator, humble at heart, very particular and passionate about liturgy and journey of faith, and especially about the family life, marriage encounter and building marriages.”
“The changes at HFMB are evident, and from an apostolic perspective, he has done an amazing job establishing Small Christian Communities (SCC) even though this parish is home to a diverse population.” Explained Fr. Kabiu, who was ordained as a priest in 2011 and served with Fr. Kamomoe for four years as the assistant priest-in-charge of the HFMB.
According to Fr. Kabiu, a native of Christ the King Parish Karinga in Gatundu, the same parish where bishop-elect Wallace Ng’ang’a hails from, the region has churned out the highest number of clergy into the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
“One thing that stands out about Fr. Wallace is extremely dedicated, he gets up very early in the morning, usually between 3 and 4 am, and calls you if he needs you to do something.” Said Kabiu.
In his pennyworth reaction, the dean of Gatundu Deanery, Fr. Samuel Olek said the episcopate elevation of the two clergy has sparked great joy within and outside Gatundu.
“As the dean of Gatundu, I am most delighted that these two newly appointed bishops are from my deanery. We thank the holy father for sending pastors to serve us in this Archdiocese, which is expansive, largely populated, and hence requires a lot of work.” He went on, “This appointment will help facilitate the provision of services to Christians in Nairobi and beyond.”
The dean of Gatunde attributed Fr. Kamomoe’s appointment to the qualities that the incoming bishop embodies, saying, “He is a gentle, God-fearing man with an unwavering dedication to his pastoral work.”
As preparations ensue for their ordination and installation on Saturday, April 6, 2024, the faithful within the Archdiocese eagerly anticipates the culmination of this momentous occasion. Fr. Kamomoe and Fr. Ng’ang’a’s consecration will mark a significant milestone in the Archdiocese’s journey, further fortifying its mission to serve the burgeoning Catholic community spanning Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
Father Simon Peter Kamomoe, known for his unwavering dedication to the Holy Family Minor Basilica, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside Archbishop Anyolo.
“We thank the archbishop, Philip Anyolo because he is our father in this state and all those who are involved. We ask the Almighty God to give us more grace so that we can cooperate with the archbishop to do God’s work,” said Fr. Kamomoe in a message of appreciation.
Father Wallace Ng’ang’a, esteemed for his pastoral leadership and commitment to building vibrant parish communities, was commended by parishioners for his tireless efforts in nurturing spiritual growth.
Margaret Njeri Njoroge, a member of the Catholic Women’s Association at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, expressed her elation at his elevation to the episcopate.
“Mary has truly interceded for him, and he has done a lot for over 12 years that he has been ministering here. We are elated that he has been elevated to the position of a bishop,” remarked Njoroge, reflecting the sentiments of many within the parish community.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi encompasses the counties of Kiambu and Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi with 15 deaneries, spanning an area of 3,721 square kilometers and with over 4,000 Small Christian Communities distributed across 120 parishes enfolding the highest number of religious congregations. Four million of the approximately seven million people the Archdiocese serves are Catholics.
Bishops-elect Kamomoe and Gachihi have been assigned the Titular Sees of Thubunae in Numidia and Thucca in Mauritania, respectively, in line with canonical stipulations governing Auxiliary bishops.
In this Lenten season of renewal and anticipation, the episcopate appointment stands as expedient and the Archdiocese of Nairobi embraces the future with optimism and faith, trusting in God’s providence through the unwavering dedication of its pastoral leaders.
