From missionary outposts to a parish of many chapels, our history is written in stone, song, and the daily yes of God’s people. Walk the path with us.
100+
Years of witness
Across missions & chapels
9
Sub-parishes
United in one parish
97
SCCs
Neighbourhood faith cells
The origins of St. Leo the Great Kimilili Parish—formerly known as Kimilili Catholic Church—date back to the early 1928. The foundation of the Catholic faith community in this area was laid by the late Joseph Pascal Nabwana, who had relocated from Khachonge. He served as the first teacher and catechist, providing leadership to the emerging Christian community until 1931. In 1931, he was joined by the late Catechist Nicholas Maruti, who possessed a deeper knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures. Leadership of catechesis was subsequently assumed by Nicholas Maruti, while Joseph Pascal Nabwana continued missionary expansion work in other areas. This period was marked by significant challenges, including opposition from groups such as the Quakers and adherents of Dini ya Musambwa. The mission was further strengthened in 1936 with the arrival of the late Agaton Makanda, followed by Timothy Makila in 1938. Together, they formed a committed catechetical team that contributed significantly to the consolidation and growth of the Catholic faith in the region.
On 2nd February 2001, Kimilili Sub-Parish was elevated to the status of a region by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua. The first Chairperson of the region was the late Mr. Charles Kimathi, who served until his passing in 2002. St. Leo the Great Kimilili Parish, was later established from Misikhu Catholic Parish under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fr. Simon Jude Obore. On 22nd May 2005, the parish welcomed its first appointed priests, Rev. Fr. Peter Makokha and Rev. Fr. Chrispinus Marofu Wekhanya. The first Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson was Mr. John Mburu Munyambu, while Mr. Henry Wanyonyi Murongoro served as catechist. The parish was officially inaugurated on 19th November 2005 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma.
Establishment meant more than a change of name: it meant stable leadership, parish pastoral councils, defined boundaries, and a commitment to build up Small Christian Communities and associations so that every baptised person could find a place to pray, learn, and serve. That same structure still orders our common life today.
After inauguration in 2005, parish life unfolded in concrete ways: the mother church at Kimilili became a centre for the sacraments and the liturgical year; outstations matured with regular Mass and catechesis; and Small Christian Communities, associations, and ministries multiplied so that faith could be lived in homes, schools, and public life. Development here means both building up the People of God and caring for the spaces where we meet Christ together.
After inauguration in 2005, parish life unfolded in concrete ways at the mother church in Kimilili: it became a centre for the sacraments and the liturgical year, and part of caring for the spaces where we meet Christ together.
Outstations matured with regular Mass and catechesis; Small Christian Communities multiplied so that fellowship and formation reached beyond the mother church—consistent with the parish’s care for outstations and sub-parishes across the territory.
Associations and ministries multiplied so that faith could be lived in homes, schools, and public life—building up the People of God and extending the same call to pray, learn, and serve that establishment set in motion for every baptised person.
Diana (Benedictine Sisters) OSB
Catholic missionaries and catechists planted the first chapels in the Kimilili region, gathering families for Mass under trees and in simple mud structures — the quiet beginnings of what would become a thriving parish family.
Small Christian Communities grew in number and zeal. Catechesis, sacramental life, and lay leadership deepened as the faithful built schools, choirs, and associations around the Eucharist.
St. Leo the Great Parish was formally established and centred at Kimilili, gathering outstations into one canonical family. Pastoral plans focused on evangelization, youth, and the care of the poor.
Nine sub-parishes, SCCs, and dozens of ministries continue the same mission: worship worthy of God, formation for every generation, and service poured out in the name of Jesus Christ.
“All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.”
St. Carlos AcutisServe in a ministry, sponsor a catechumen, or simply worship with us this Sunday — history is holiness remembered and handed on.
Contact the parish office“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song”
St. John Paul II