Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi is a Roman Catholic prelate in Kenya, appointed as the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya on 12 October 2024. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, a position he held from February 2024 until his elevation to the military diocese. His appointment as bishop was made by Pope Francis on 13 February 2024, marking an important milestone in his ecclesiastical career.
Gachihi’s leadership in the Kenyan Catholic Church has been recognized for his deep commitment to pastoral care and spiritual leadership. As the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate, he oversees the spiritual needs of the Roman Catholic military personnel and their families in Kenya, playing a crucial role in promoting faith within the armed forces.
Early Life and Education
Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi was born on 26 March 1973 in Gatundu, Kiambu County, within the Archdiocese of Nairobi. His early education was rooted in the Catholic faith, where he first developed his spiritual calling. He began his formation at St. Mary’s Molo Seminary in 1996 for his spiritual year. Gachihi then pursued philosophical studies at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Mabanga, Bungoma, from 1997 to 1998.
In 1999, he continued his theological education at St. Matia Mulumba Major Seminary in Nairobi, completing his studies in 2003. Furthering his academic journey, Gachihi earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, strengthening his theological foundation and pastoral approach.
Priesthood and Early Ministry
Father Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi was ordained as a priest on 21 May 2005 in Nairobi, after taking his deacon vows on 15 May 2004. His priestly ministry began within the Archdiocese of Nairobi, where he took on several key roles in parishes across the region. Some of his significant positions include:
- Deacon at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Githiga.
- Deacon at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kiambu.
- Assistant Father-in-Charge at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kiambu.
- Father in Charge at St. Peter the Apostle Kikuyu Parish.
- Assistant Parish Priest at Regina Caeli Parish, Karen.
- Pastoral Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
- Parish Priest at Christ the King Church, Embakasi.
- Father in Charge at Queen of Apostles Parish, Ruaraka.
His leadership in these roles was marked by a deep commitment to spiritual growth, community outreach, and pastoral care. His work within the community strengthened his reputation as a dedicated and compassionate priest.
Consecration as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
On 13 February 2024, Pope Francis appointed Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, recognizing his years of service and leadership within the Church. He was consecrated as a bishop on 6 April 2024, with Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, presiding over the ceremony. He was assisted by Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo and Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a, both of whom played important roles in his consecration.
The appointment of Gachihi as Auxiliary Bishop marked the beginning of his involvement in higher levels of leadership within the Kenyan Catholic Church. His ministry focused on supporting the archbishop of Nairobi while overseeing pastoral needs in several diocesan initiatives.
Appointment as Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya
On 15 August 2024, Pope Francis appointed Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi as the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, succeeding Bishop Alfred Kipkoech Arap Rotich, who had served in this capacity from 1997 until his retirement in 2016. Gachihi was officially installed as the third Ordinary of the Military Ordinariate on 12 October 2024.
As the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate, Gachihi’s primary role is to serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of military personnel and their families. He provides religious guidance and support to the armed forces of Kenya, focusing on the promotion of peace, unity, and Christian values within the military community.
Conclusion
Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi has built a distinguished career in the Roman Catholic Church in Kenya, having served in various significant roles, including as Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi and as the current Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya. His deep commitment to pastoral care, leadership, and his extensive experience within the Church make him a respected figure in Kenya’s religious community.
As he continues his mission in the Military Ordinariate, Gachihi’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual lives of military families and in strengthening the Catholic faith within Kenya.
