By Paschal Norbert

KISUMU, DECEMBER 16, 2025 (CISA) – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Vincent Ouma Odundo as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu. In an announcement by the Holy See Press Office on December 14, the Holy Father assigned him the titular see of Giru di Marcello.

Until his elevation to the episcopate, Bishop-elect Odundo served as the Vicar General of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kisumu and was also in pastoral charge of St. James the Apostle Parish, Magadi, Kisumu. His appointment strengthens the episcopal leadership of the archdiocese as it continues to respond to growing pastoral and administrative demands.

Biography of Bishop-elect Odundo

Born on June 1, 1978 in Kisumu, Bishop-elect Odundo undertook his philosophical studies at Mabanga National Seminary before proceeding to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Nairobi, where he studied theology. He was ordained a priest on February 20, 2008 for the Archdiocese of Kisumu.

Since ordination, he has served the Church in a variety of pastoral, administrative, and judicial capacities. His early priestly ministry included service as Parish Vicar at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Kisumu (2008–2009), and Administrator of St. Augustine Parish, Nyamonye (2009–2012). He later served as Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Siaya (2012–2013).

Bishop-elect Odundo pursued advanced canonical studies in Rome, earning a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University. Upon his return, he continued to place his expertise at the service of the local Church, serving as Administrator of St. Andrew Parish, Bondo (2018–2019), and as Promoter of Justice of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Kisumu (2018–2020).

He was subsequently appointed Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Kisumu, roles he held from 2019 to 2023, before being named Vicar General of the Metropolitan Archdiocese, a position he held until his episcopal appointment.

The appointment of Fr. Vincent Ouma Odundo as Auxiliary Bishop marks a significant moment for the Archdiocese of Kisumu, drawing on his extensive pastoral experience, canonical expertise, and long-standing service to the local Church.