NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 28 – The Archdiocese of Nairobi has announced the death of veteran Catholic priest Joseph Mokaya.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Archbishop of Nairobi Philip Anyolo said Mokaya passed away on Tuesday night at Mater Hospital, Nairobi.
“Mokaya was a priest of the Archdiocese of Nairobi and served the Catholic Church for decades with commitment and dedication,” Anyolo said.
He was ordained to the priesthood on June 28, 1975, at Our Lady of Visitation Parish in Makadara.
During his long priestly service, Mokaya worked in several parishes across Nairobi and parts of Kiambu County.
These included Mangu Parish in Gatundu North, Riruta Parish, St. Joseph Parish in Jericho, Ruku Parish in Lower Kabete, and Ndundu Parish in Gatundu South.
He also served at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Kariokor, Nyamangara Parish in Gatundu North, and later at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Buruburu, where many parishioners remember him for his pastoral care and humility.
Beyond parish work, Mokaya played an important role in the formation of future priests.
He served as a formator at St. Mathias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Tindinyo, where he helped guide and mentor seminarians preparing for priesthood.
Mokaya also worked at the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Secretariat in Nairobi.
He was involved in church activities during the 43rd International Eucharistic Congress held in Nairobi, a major event in the history of the Catholic Church in Kenya.
Mokaya studied at the University of Nairobi, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, United States, and later in Rome, where he earned both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology.
The Archdiocese described him as a devoted servant of the Church whose life was marked by faith, service, and commitment to priestly formation and pastoral ministry.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the Archdiocese.
