Delays, Political Intrigues and Surprise in Naming of Nairobi Catholic Boss, Cardinal Prospect – LitKenya

Following the retirement of Cardinal John Njue as the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, the Vatican is yet to name his successor six months later.

Kenya has four catholic archdioceses, but the Nairobi ecclesiastical province attracts special interest. That explains why Pope Francis is yet to name a new head.

Fundamentally, the leader of the Catholic in Kenya, Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Mege, will play a big role in the appointment. Mege is currently the Pope’s representative to Kenya and South Sudan.

At heart, all the three archbishops and 20 bishops of the catholic church in Kenya qualify to to take Njue’s position.

However, experience, influence, leadership skills and controversies take centre stage in the selection.

A source who spoke to this publication in confidence revealed that currently there are three front runners in the race.

“Archbishops Anthony Muheria (Nyeri) Martin Kivuva (Mombasa) and Philip Anyolo (Kisumu) are tipped to replace Njue,” he said.

The current Nairobi Auxiliary Bishop, Rt Reverend David Kamau, who the Pope appointed as the Apostolic Administrator after the retirement of Njue, is another candidate.

However, our informer stated that it not automatic that either of the four will be appointed.

“Our church pulls many surprises. It is possible they will pick someone who is talked about at the moment.”

Why The Delay?

Before naming the new archbishop, Apostolic Nuncio, must select possible candidates, do thorough research about them and consult widely.

Chiefly, the head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, will settle on a name submit it to the Pope for official appointent.

But before forwarding a name, he must make sure the person is of high integrity and free from controversies.

Once a clergyman is appointed the head of the Nairobi Archdiocese, his profile rises and is positioned to address national issues. Considering that archdiocese is perceived as the unofficial headquarters of the church, he becomes the face of the Catholic body in Kenya.

“Among the front runners, I fell like Muheria despite his charisma will be not get the position due to his controversial role as the chairperson of the National Interfaith Council on Covid-19. Some faithfuls were not happy with the 56-year-old engineer for advising the government to suspend religious activities. However, if Nuncio finds his advisory was reasonable, he could be considered,” our source claimed.

More often than not, the Nairobi Archbishop becomes the Kenyan Cardinal once the holder of the high ranking office exits. Njue continued with the role and is eligible to vote for the next Pope incase the Holy See is vacant.

Also, the head of the Nairobi Archdiocese gets the honour of residing in a Basicila while all other archbishops and bishops stay in cathedrals.

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