Daystar University PhD Clinical Psychology student ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi

Archbishop Hubertus van Megen places the mitre upon Monsignor Obed Karobia during his Episcopal Ordination as the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi  Archdiocese. The solemn event, held at the Holy Family Basilica, in May 6^th 2026.

By Timothy Oiro

[Nairobi: 6th May 2026] The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro attended the Episcopal ordination of Daystar University PhD in Clinical Psychology student, Monsignor Obed Karobia, as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.  

The solemn ordination ceremony took place at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, on Wednesday, 6th May 2026.

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the DVC-ARSA, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, Associate Dean in the School of Psychology Dr. Jared Menecha as well as faculty members.

Monsignor Obed is a PhD in Clinical Psychology Cohort 12 candidate at Daystar University.

The liturgical ceremony was led by Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya. He was joined by several high-ranking clergy, including:

• Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Nairobi Diocese
• Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Nyeri Diocese
• Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Kisumu Diocese
• Retired Archbishop of Nairobi, Cardinal John Njue
• Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau Ng'ang'a, Archdiocese of Nairobi
• Rev. Fr. Jude James, General Secretary, of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).

Other key dignitaries in attendance included the former Director of Criminal Investigations, George Kinoti, and North Imenti MP, Hon. Abdul Rahim Dawood, alongside family, friends, and many priests and bishops.

During his sermon, Archbishop van Megen compared Monsignor Obed’s journey to the biblical story of Obed, who learned the heart of service from his mother, Ruth. He reminded the congregation that Jesus’s washing of his disciples’ feet reflects the true attitude of a servant. He noted that as a member of the Franciscan Order, following St. Francis of Assisi, Monsignor Obed is called to a life of servant leadership. "God will ask you how much of a servant you have been," he remarked.

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia added that the celebration confirms the continuation of the apostolic tradition, linking the modern church to Christ himself. He noted that through this ordination, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops would grow in both number and quality.

In his remarks, Monsignor Obed Karobia expressed his deep commitment to service. He gave special thanks to Daystar University, specifically mentioning the Vice Chancellor, Prof Laban Ayiro, the DVC-ARSA, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, and his PhD colleagues in the Clinical Psychology program. He appreciated them for attending the ceremony and also thanked the Franciscan Order and Archbishop Philip Anyolo.

"I entrust my ministry to the Virgin Mary to serve with humility, joy, and fidelity," he said, further asking for continued prayers to be a faithful witness to the Gospel.

The main highlight of the ceremony entailed the ordination ceremony which involved:

• Prostration: The Bishop-elect lay on the floor in total surrender to God.
• Prayer of consecration: The Book of the Gospels was placed above his head during the prayer of ordination.
• The Episcopal Ring: He was given a ring symbolizing his allegiance to the Church.
• The Mitre: A liturgical hat was placed on his head as a sign of glory.

The ceremony concluded with a final blessing and a joyful hymn of praise.

Daystar University, through the Infospot, proudly joins the Archdiocese of Nairobi and the entire clergy to congratulate the Auxiliary Bishop Monsignor Obed Muriungi Karobia on his Episcopal ordination.

We wish him God’s blessing as he undertakes this great mission in His vineyard.
Daystar University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro (center) sharing a moment with DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi (right) and the Former Director of Criminal Investigations Mr. George Kinoti (left) during the solemn Ordination of Monsignor Obed Karobia as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The ceremony was held at the Holy Family Basilica on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.