16/02/2026
Monsignor Vincent Ouma Odundo: From St. Gabriel’s Minor Seminary to Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu
“With You I Am a Christian, For You I Am a Bishop”
Monsignor Vincent Ouma Odundo Reflects on Faith, Formation, and the Call to the Episcopacy
By Teddy Odiero | Quinn Studios
As the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu prepares for the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Vincent Ouma Odundo on 27 February 2026, the journey that has led him to this moment reveals a story deeply rooted in faith, disciplined formation, and humble service to God’s people.
Born into a deeply Catholic family, Monsignor Odundo attributes his vocation to the strong spiritual foundation laid at home from an early age.
"I had a very strong background rooted in Catholic faith. Both my parents were strong believers, and they instilled that in me from childhood."
This early formation awakened in him a desire to serve the Church, even as a young boy.
"When I got to Class Eight, I wanted to join the Mass servers, but I couldn’t manage because of the age restrictions. I was too young."
A significant influence during this period was his parish priest, the late Fr. Norbert.
"Later, I got to interact with my parish priest then, the late Fr. Norbert, and this helped shape my calling a bit."
Formation at St. Gabriel’s Minor Seminary
His vocation took a decisive step when he joined St. Gabriel’s Minor Seminary, located at Daraja Mbili along the Kisumu–Busia Road, under St. Aloysius Gonzaga Ojola Parish. He completed his KCSE in 1998.
"My time in the minor seminary sharpened and shaped my vocation deeply through the prayer we had on a daily basis."
Life at the seminary was structured around prayer and discipline.
"We had morning prayer, morning Mass, Angelus in the afternoon, evening prayer or Mass depending on the day, and night prayer."
Beyond the formal routine, the seminary also provided moments of joy and fraternity that left lasting memories.
"There were happy moments too, like our Sunday nature walks up to Sinyolo Girls and back. In the evening we would have tea and a quarter loaf of bread."
Major Seminary Formation and Ordination
After completing his minor seminary education, Monsignor Odundo joined St. Mary’s Major Seminary, Molo, for his spiritual year from 1999 to 2000. He then pursued philosophical studies at St. Mabanga Tindinyo Major Seminary from 2000 to 2003, before proceeding to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Nairobi, for theological studies from 2003 to 2004.
He was ordained a deacon on 30 May 2007 and sent to Rang’ala Parish for pastoral experience.
"I served my pastoral time at Rang’ala Parish for six months."
He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kisumu on 20 February 2008, marking the beginning of a wide-ranging pastoral ministry.
Learning the Church Through Mission
Reflecting on his priestly journey, Monsignor Odundo notes how serving in different contexts shaped his understanding of the Church.
"The Church helped me open up my brain. You have to be open-minded so you can adapt to any place you are sent."
From the urban setting of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Cathedral, Kibuye, to rural parishes such as Nyamonye, Usenge, and Siaya, and later back to town parishes like St. James the Apostle, Magadi, each assignment contributed to his pastoral maturity.
"All of this helped me understand the Church’s ecclesiology and the mission of the Church, which is to change souls, evangelize the Gospel, and bring God to the people."
Balancing pastoral responsibilities with academic demands also instilled discipline.
"It taught me commitment, because juggling all the responsibilities of a parish and studies is not easy work."
Canon Law in Service of the Faithful
His advanced studies in Canon Law in Rome further deepened his ecclesial vision.
"My canonical expertise helped me understand the mind, authority, and the canon law of the Church."
For him, Church law is fundamentally pastoral.
"Canon Law is meant to correct by nature and, above all, to serve the people. It should not be seen as punitive or meant to oppress."
This approach guided his service as Promoter of Justice, Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, and later Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kisumu.
An Unexpected Episcopal Call
The announcement of his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop came as a surprise.
"The episcopal appointment got me off-guard. I was shocked because I never imagined myself going beyond the Vicar General position."
Seeking clarity, he approached the Apostolic Nunciature.
"On the second day after the announcement, I went to the Nunciature and asked, ‘Why me?’"
Through prayer and reflection, acceptance followed.
"Later, I came into terms with it and accepted. I told myself God has His plans, so I will let His will be done."
Declining the appointment was never an option.
"If I had said no, I would be turning down the favor of God and the service of His nation."
A Message to the Faithful
As he prepares for episcopal ordination, Bishop-elect Odundo expresses deep gratitude to the faithful.
"I would like to pass my appreciation to the people for the support they are giving the Church. As priests, we are appointed to serve the people."
Quoting St. Augustine, words also echoed by Pope Leo XIV, he captures the heart of episcopal ministry.
"With you I am a Christian, but for you I am a bishop."
He emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility in the life of the Church.
"Any bishop or priest should meet the people and let them own the Church, especially now that the Church in Kenya is moving toward self-sustainability."
His message is clear and hopeful.
"The Church is built together. Let us have that sense of ownership."
