Lilian Nyiva
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Father John Mbua Mwandi as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, marking a significant leadership transition for the church in the region.
The Vatican announced the appointment on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, ending weeks of speculation within the Catholic community over who would take over leadership of the diocese. Rev. Mwandi succeeds Bishop Joseph Mwongela, who was earlier transferred to the Diocese of Machakos as coadjutor bishop.
His leadership
Until his appointment, Rev. Mwandi had been serving in pastoral leadership roles within the Kitui Diocese, including as parish priest of Mulutu and previously as Vicar General of the diocese. Church leaders and Catholic faithful across Kitui welcomed the announcement, describing it as a move that would ensure continuity in the church’s pastoral mission.
Born on September 24, 1970, Rev. Mwandi studied philosophy at Saint Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Bungoma and theology at Saint Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Kapsabet. He was ordained a Catholic priest on December 8, 2001.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV officially appointed Rev. Mwandi as bishop of Kitui during a series of episcopal appointments announced through the Holy See Press Office. The appointment was also communicated to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya.
The Catholic Diocese of Kitui is one of Kenya’s longstanding dioceses and serves thousands of faithful across Kitui County and surrounding areas. The diocese has historically played a major role in education, healthcare, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance in the region.
Rev. Mwandi’s appointment comes at a time when the Catholic Church in Kenya continues to experience leadership transitions in several dioceses under Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
Details regarding his episcopal ordination and installation ceremony are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
