The Right Reverend Wallace Ng’ang’a, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, today 14th September 2025 concluded his two-day pastoral visit to KDF troops deployed under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Manda Bay and United States troops domiciled at camp Simba in Lamu County. He was received by OAB Commander Brigadier William Kamoiro and Deputy Base Commander Colonel Anthony Gachagua.
The visit, part of his familiarization tour of KDF units and formations, began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Monument in honor of fallen service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Bishop Ng’ang’a also blessed the grounds earmarked for the construction of a new Roman Catholic chapel at Manda Bay, affirming that it would serve as a sacred sanctuary “where many souls will be saved.”
He later presided over the Padre Hour for the troops at the base, delivering a sermon anchored on unity, ethical leadership, and compassionate pastoral care principles he described as equally central to the Church and to military service. Acknowledging the unique emotional, spiritual, and moral challenges that soldiers and their families face, the bishop urged them to remain firmly grounded in faith as both citizens and guardians of national security.
He underscored the healing power of forgiveness, reminding the troops that letting go of resentment fosters harmony and strengthens bonds of brotherhood within the military family and the nation. Commending the peaceful coexistence of diverse faiths within the KDF, he described it as a living testimony to unity, respect, and shared purpose.
While visiting Mkunumbi Forward Operating Base, Bishop Ng’ang’a encouraged troops to serve with joy and peace, noting that their duties are not mere obligations but divine callings. He emphasized that authentic service must flow from the heart, guided by gratitude, discipline, and serenity. He also spoke on the importance of family, urging soldiers to safeguard the sanctity of their homes against harmful societal influences and to reflect integrity, hope, and love in both service and family life.
The highlight of the visit came during a commissioning Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where thirteen newly inducted members of the Catholic Men Apostolate (CMA) comprising both officers and service members were officially commissioned after completing an eight-month formation program. The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and CMA badges, symbolizing the graduates’ commitment to prayer, evangelization, humility, responsibility, integrity, perseverance, and service.
In his homily, Bishop Ng’ang’a called on the new CMA members to integrate their military vocation with their spiritual mission, serving as disciplined soldiers and faith-driven leaders within their families and communities. He assured the troops of his continued prayers, entrusting them to God’s divine protection in all their deployment areas.
Echoing the Bishop’s message, Brigadier Kamoiro reminded the CMA graduates that deployment does not diminish their call to live as men of prayer, integrity, and humility. Father Lieutenant Colonel Dalmas Simiyu also emphasized the vital role of faith in the lives of service members, highlighting how sacraments, prayer, and fellowship offer strength and resilience in military life.
The Bishop’s pastoral visit left the troops spiritually renewed and strengthened in their dual mission: to defend the nation with courage and discipline while serving as beacons of faith and moral leadership within the KDF family.
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