The Catholic Church in Eastern Kenya has been struck by poignant news following the death of Maurice Mwongela, father of Rt. Rev. Joseph Maluki Mwongela, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and newly appointed Coadjutor Bishop-Elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
Mr. Maurice Mwongela passed away on February 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM while receiving medical care at The Mater Hospital where he had been admitted during a period of illness.
The loss comes at a deeply emotional moment for the bishop and his family.
Bishop Mwongela has been a prominent spiritual leader in Kenya’s Catholic community.
Earlier this year, on 4 January 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Mwongela as Coadjutor Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Machakos, entrusting him with the right of succession to succeed Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua in the future. The appointment, announced by the Holy See Press Office, coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany and was described by Church leaders as a move aimed at ensuring continuity, stability, and renewed pastoral energy in the Machakos Diocese.
Born on 7 April 1968 in Kakumi, Kitui County, he was ordained a priest on 7 September 1996 and served the Church in various pastoral and administrative roles before being appointed Bishop of Kitui on 17 March 2020. He was consecrated and installed later that year on 29 August 2020, becoming the fourth bishop to shepherd the Diocese of Kitui.
In his new role, Bishop Mwongela is expected to work closely with Bishop Wambua, assisting in the pastoral care of thousands of Catholics across Machakos and preparing to assume full leadership when the episcopal see becomes vacant.
Church officials and faithful across Kitui and Machakos have expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with Bishop Mwongela and his family. Clergy and parishioners alike are remembering Maurice Mwongela’s life in prayer, invoking God’s comfort and peace for the bereaved.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.”
