On June 28, 1975, Fr. Mokaya, a priest in the Nairobi Archdiocese, was ordained at Our Lady of Visitation in Makadara.
He spent more than 40 years serving the Church, giving passion and commitment to his work.
One of the longest-serving priests in Kenya has passed away.
Father Joseph Mokaya has been a priest for almost fifty years.
On the evening of January 27, 2026, Reverend Father Joseph Mokaya passed away at Mater Hospital, according to Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo.
On June 28, 1975, Fr. Mokaya, a priest in the Nairobi Archdiocese, was ordained at Our Lady of Visitation in Makadara.
He spent more than 40 years serving the Church, giving passion and commitment to his work.
His priestly work took him to several parishes, including Mangu Parish (Gatundu North), Riruta Parish, St. Joseph Parish Jericho, Ruku Parish (Lower Kabete), Ndundu Parish (Gatundu South), St. Mary Magdalene Parish Kariokor, Nyamangara Parish (Gatundu North), and Blessed Sacrament Parish Buruburu.
Fr. Mokaya helped mold future priests at St. Mathias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Tindinyo as a formator in addition to his parish responsibilities.
He also served at the AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi and played a role during the 43rd International Eucharistic Congress held in the city.
Fr. Mokaya received master’s and doctoral degrees in sacred theology from the University of Nairobi, Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, USA, and Rome.
He was working in Buruburu, Nairobi’s Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish when he passed away.
In addition to offering condolences to his family, parishioners, and everyone impacted by his work, the Archdiocese has prayed for his soul’s rest. “May the soul of Fr. Joseph Mokaya rest in peace,” declared Archbishop Anyolo.
The Nairobi Archdiocese and the larger Catholic community will always remember Fr. Mokaya’s life of service and devotion.
During Buruburu Parish’s Family Day celebration on July 13, 2025, Joseph Mokaya commemorated fifty years of priestly ministry.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo presided over the Holy Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop David Kamau, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, and numerous other clergy members.
Bishop David Kamau commended Fr. Mokaya in the homily for his unwavering commitment over the course of fifty years—a true healer and shepherd who has had intimate contact with God’s people.
He noted Fr. Mokaya’s intellectual excellence as a doctorate holder, praised his unique blend of pastoral humility and deep theological knowledge, and emphasized how he stayed grounded and devoted to his priestly ministry.
