NAIROBI, Kenya — The Catholic Church in Kenya is mourning the death of veteran priest Reverend Father Joseph Mokaya, who passed away on the night of January 27, 2026, at Mater Hospital in Nairobi.
In a statement, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced Fr Mokaya’s death “with deep sorrow,” describing him as a devoted servant of the Church whose priestly ministry spanned more than four decades.
Fr Mokaya was ordained on June 28, 1975, at Our Lady of Visitation Parish in Makadara and served under the Archdiocese of Nairobi throughout his long pastoral career.
His ministry took him to several parishes across Nairobi and Kiambu counties, including Mangu Parish in Gatundu North, Riruta Parish, St Joseph Parish in Jericho, Ruku Parish in Lower Kabete, Ndundu Parish in Gatundu South, St Mary Magdalene Parish in Kariokor, Nyamangara Parish in Gatundu North, and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Buruburu.
Beyond parish work, Fr Mokaya played a key role in priestly formation, serving as a formator at St Mathias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Tindinyo, where he mentored seminarians preparing for the priesthood.
He also served at the AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi and contributed to preparations for the 43rd International Eucharistic Congress hosted in the capital.
Fr Mokaya was academically accomplished, having pursued advanced studies at the University of Nairobi, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in the United States, and in Rome, where he earned both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Sacred Theology.
At the time of his death, he was serving at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Buruburu.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi extended its condolences to Fr Mokaya’s family, parishioners, and all those touched by his ministry, while offering prayers for the repose of his soul.
“May the soul of Fr Joseph Mokaya rest in peace,” Archbishop Anyolo said.
