Our History
What we've been up to in the past years...
1961
Our History
In 1961, the Diocese of forthall was formed from the Diocese of Mombasa, Bishop Obadiah Kariuki was appointed as the first Bishop of the new Diocese later the name of Diocese changed from forthall to Mt. Kenya. In 1975, the Diocese of Mt. Kenya was divided into two namely Mt. Kenya South and Mt. Kenya East. Bishop Obadiah Kariuki retired on medical ground on 15th May 1976. he died on 6th May 1978. Bishop Sospeter Magua after retirement of Bishop Sospeter Magua succeeded him as the second Bishop of Mt. Kenya South. He served as Bishop until demise through a tragic road accident at Kabati in 1982 on his way to Nairobi for church meeting. After his death the Diocese stayed without Bishop for two years. During this period the Archbishop the Most Rev. Mannases Kuria was incharge of the Diocese.
RT. REV JOHN MAHIA-INI
1984-1993
In 1984, the Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central was formed from Mt. Kenya South and Bishop John Mahia-ini became the First Bishop of Mt. Kenya Central. His clarion Call was “Kanyiri kainagio ni mwene” he called on the people of Mt. Kenya Central which then covered the whole of Murang’a and Nyeri county and all the way to Doldol and Samburu to stand steadfast and work hard to own and build their new Diocese. Bishop Mahia-ini served the Diocese till 1993 when he retired.
RT. REV. JULIUS GATAMBO GACHUCHE
1993-2004
Bishop Gatambo began to serve the Diocese in 1994 and in 1997, the diocese of Thika was formed under the leadership of Bishop Gideon Githiga as the first Bishop. Bishop Gatambo will be remembered for centralizing the payment of clergy and other workers in the Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central. He retired in 2004.
RT. REV. ISAAC MAINA NG’ANG’A
2005-2015
Bishop Ng’ang’a took over the leadership of the Diocese after the retirement of Bishop Gatambo in 2005. After his reteriment the Diocese had to remain without an elected Bishop for almost two years where Bishop Allan was appointed as Archbishop commissary by His Grace Dr. Eliud Wambukara. The mark of Bishop Ng’ang’a in his tenure is Arahuka Complex. He retired in 2015.
RT. REV. ALLAN WAITHAKA MACHARIA
2002-2017 (Asst. Bishop) 2015- 2017(Archbishop Commisary)
In 2003 Allan Waithaka was consecrated Bishop of the church and Assistant Bishop of Mt. Kenya Central. He served with Bishop Gatambo and Bishop Ng’ang’a. After the retirement of Bishop Ng’ang’a, he was made the Archbishops Commissary by the Most Rt. Rev. Eliud Wambukara. He served in that position for almost two years, when the diocese did not have diocesan Bishop. He retired in May 2017.
THE 4TH– THE RT. REV. DR. TIMOTHY I. GICHERE
On the 10th June 2017 the Electoral College gathered and the Ven. Timothy Irungu Gichere was declared Bishop Elect by the chancellor to much pomp, jubilation and joy. Finally, the Diocese got a Diocesan Bishop after waiting for almost two years. The consecration and enthronement of the new Bishop was done on 30th July 2017 by the Archbishop assisted by other Bishops from within the province. The new Bishop priotised seven key areas, which would form the basis of his Episcopal ministry.
Bishops that have served
Rt. Rev. Obadiah Kariuki
First Bishop of the larger diocese of mt.kenya (1961-1976)
Rt. Rev. Sospeter Magua
Second Bishop diocese of Mt. Kenya south (1976-1982)
Rt. Rev. John Mahiani
First Bishop diocese of mt.kenya central (1984-1993)
Rt. Rev. Julius Gatambo Gachuche
Second Bishop diocese of mt.kenya central (1993-2004)
Rt. Rev. Isaac Maina Ng'ang'a
Third Bishop Diocese of mt.kenya central (2005-2015)
Rt. Rev. Dr. Timothy irungu Gichere
4th bishop of mt. Kenya central consecrated & Enthroned on 30th july 2017
Assistant Bishops
Rt. Rev. Esbon Ngaruiya Kamau
Assistant bishop(1974-1979)
