KENYA: Archbishop Muhatia Explains Role of Auxiliary Bishop Ahead of Monsignor Odundo’s Ordination
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The vastness of the Kisumu Archdiocese in Western Kenya tells its own story through numbers and pastoral work that would challenge any shepherd.
In an interview with the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, as the Christians await the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Vincent Ouma Odundo on Friday, February 27, he says it takes him over a year to visit a single parish for confirmation.
Sometimes, he finds himself administering the Sacrament of Confirmation during Lent, not out of preference, but out of necessity, because without this strategic timing, some parishes would wait two years between his visits.
“Kisumu is very extensive. Kisumu is work-intensive. Kisumu is busy,” Archbishop Muhatia explains, painting a picture of a vibrant Archdiocese that requires constant, strategic effort in managing its pastoral needs. Against this backdrop, he welcomes the recent appointment of Monsignor Odundo as the Auxiliary Bishop-elect of Kisumu, describing it as arriving at “a very right time.”
The appointment by Pope Leo XIV on December 14 comes as what the Archbishop calls “a gift of Christmas” to the faithful of Kisumu, noting that having a second Bishop in the Archdiocese to help in the administrative work is an answer to the pastoral reality of serving the expansive Archdiocese where one Bishop simply cannot be everywhere his flock needs him.
During an interview with AMECEA Online, when asked for advice to the newly appointed auxiliary Bishop-elect, Archbishop Muhatia underscored that spiritual depth is the bedrock of leadership. His first instinct is not to offer administrative tips or strategic guidance, but to pray.
“First of all, I pray for him,” the Archbishop says, before elaborating on his hopes that Christ would bless the Bishop-elect as he joins the community of successors of the apostles. He speaks of the weighty responsibilities ahead: looking after the people of God, guarding the deposit of faith, and emulating Christ in the ministerial priesthood.
“I know he’s more than capable of the responsibility that has been bestowed upon him, and guided by the Holy Spirit, it is my belief that he will excel as a shepherd of the people of God,” Archbishop Muhatia adds, expressing confidence in his brother bishop’s readiness for the role.
According to the Archbishop, although the new Auxiliary Bishop-elect previously served as Vicar of the Archdiocese, that role is distinct from his new role as an Auxiliary Bishop.
While a vicar general is not a Bishop, an auxiliary bishop is, and the two roles serve different functions. Archbishop Muhatia clarifies that the Auxiliary Bishop will dedicate himself fully to the episcopal office and assist in administering to the people of God across the Archdiocese.
He adds, “It is not necessary that an Auxiliary Bishop continues to be a Vicar General, but there could be reasons why another priest may be asked to serve as Vicar General.”
The Code of Canon Law 406 §2 states that: “Unless the apostolic letter has provided otherwise and without prejudice to the provision of §1, a diocesan bishop is to appoint his auxiliary or auxiliaries as vicars general or at least as episcopal vicars, dependent only on his authority…”
The Archbishop emphasizes the need for the Bishops to maintain a close relationship with their flock, citing a memorable piece of pastoral wisdom from Pope Francis during the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) ‘s 2024 Ad Limina visit to Rome.
He said, “The Holy Father used a figurative language that people should not just hear about their Bishops, but they should touch their Bishops.”
This phrase has stayed with Archbishop Muhatia, becoming a guiding principle for understanding the pastoral presence required in an Archdiocese like Kisumu as it speaks to accessibility, visibility, and the tangible presence of a shepherd among his flock.
He further describes his pastoral schedule, which underscores the importance of having a second Bishop in the Archdiocese.
Beyond parish confirmations, he says, “there are pastoral groups requiring attention: Catholic Men Associations (CMA), Catholic Women Associations (CWA), the Catholic Youth Association (CYA), the Legion of Mary, schools, hospitals, and numerous institutions, all requiring the pastoral care of a Bishop.”
“For one person, it can be a bit overwhelming,” he admits.
The archbishop thanked the Christians of Kisumu for their faith and prayers, crediting these qualities with moving the Holy Spirit and the Holy Father to appoint a second Bishop to the Archdiocese.
“The people of God in Kisumu should be happy,” Archbishop Muhatia declares, “because they will feel the presence of the Bishop more and more in the Archdiocese. Instead of being only one serving the people, we shall be two of us. We rejoice, and we are happy.”
