Kitui veteran priest, Rev. Fr. Robert Kalima, has passed away while receiving treatment at Mater Hospital in Nairobi, the Catholic Diocese of Kitui has announced.
Fr. Kalima, who was the Parish Priest of St. Jude, Mbitini Parish at the time of his death on the evening of Tuesday, July 30, 2025, served the Church faithfully for over 34 years. He was ordained into the priesthood on May 11, 1991.
Born and raised in Mutomo Parish, Fr. Kalima ministered in numerous parishes across the Diocese of Kitui, including Kabati, Kimangao, Boma, Mutune, Miambani, and Nguutani. He was widely respected not only for his pastoral work but also for his leadership and mentorship within the Church.
Beyond parish ministry, he served as the Diocesan Vocations Director and contributed significantly to the formation of future priests as a formator at both St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary and St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary, Tindinyo.
In a statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, the Church expressed deep sorrow over his passing and called upon the faithful to remember him in prayer.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family members and friends,” read the statement.
Fr. Kalima is remembered as a committed shepherd, a dedicated mentor, and a humble servant of the Gospel whose life touched many within and beyond the Diocese.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
