By Paschal Norbert

KITUI, May 29, 2026 (CISA) – The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Fr. John Mbua Mwandi as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui in Kenya, the Holy See Press Office announced on May 27, 2026.

Fr. Mwandi, who until his appointment has been serving as the Parish Priest of Mulutu Parish, will shepherd the Diocese of Kitui as its fifth bishop since the diocese was erected in 1956.

Upon his episcopal ordination, Bishop-elect Mwandi will succeed Bishop Joseph Maluki Mwongela, who has been serving as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese following the end of his episcopal tenure.

Biography of Bishop-Elect John Mbua Mwandi

Bishop-elect John Mbua Mwandi was born on September 24, 1970. He studied Philosophy at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary in the Diocese of Bungoma before proceeding to St. Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary in the Diocese of Kapsabet for his theological studies.

He was ordained to the priesthood on December 8, 2001, for the Catholic Diocese of Kitui.

Over the years, Bishop-elect Mwandi has served the Church in various pastoral and administrative roles. His assignments include serving as Assistant Parish Priest in Ikutha in 2002 and Parish Priest in Miambani from 2001 to 2005, Ikanga in 2006, and later at the Cathedral Parish in Kitui from 2007 to 2011.

He also served as Dean of the Eastern Deanery in 2005 and obtained a Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi in 2008.

In diocesan administration, he served as Diocesan Treasurer from 2011 to 2020 and as Pro-Vicar General from 2016 to 2020 before being appointed Vicar General. Until his episcopal appointment, he had been serving as the Parish Priest of Mulutu Parish.