(1951 – 2026)
Early Life and Foundations
The late Rev. Ezekiel Kabiro Ngugi was born in 1951 in Mugumoini Village, Giathaini. He was the beloved second-born child of the late Lewis Ngugi Karanja and Joaninah Nyambura Ngugi. He grew up in a vibrant household alongside his brothers: Joseph Murigi, Andrew Mbugua, Bernard Ngaruiya, Simon Njoroge, Charles Ng’ang’a, and the late Philip Muiruri and Peter Ngigi.
Ezekiel’s journey of formal learning began in 1961 at Mugumoini Primary School in Murang’a County. He later proceeded to Githumu Secondary School in 1971, where he completed his Form 4 studies in 1975, laying the academic foundation for his future calling.
The Calling to Priesthood
Raised in a devout Roman Catholic home, Ezekiel’s spiritual journey began at the altar. Serving as an altar boy, he felt a profound tug toward the ministry. In 1976, he moved to Bungoma County to attend St. Augustine Mabanga Junior Seminary, where he earned a Certificate in Philosophy.
His thirst for theological depth led him to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi. There, he spent four years earning a Diploma in Theology. While awaiting his ordination, he shared his knowledge with the next generation, serving as a teacher at Moi Equator Girls High School in Nanyuki.
A Distinguished Ministry in the ACK
In a significant turn of his spiritual journey, Rev. Ezekiel joined the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in 1984. He was warmly received by the late Archbishop Manasses Kuria and initially posted to St. John’s Secondary School, Pumwani.
His path to the priesthood was realized in 1987 when, after training at ACK Trinity College and serving as a Deacon, he was ordained as a Priest. This moment remained the greatest joy of his life. His ministry was characterized by growth and revival:
- Pioneering Spirit: At ACK St. Mark’s Westlands, he was instrumental in elevating St. Bartholomew Nyari to a full parish, becoming its first Vicar.
- Revivalist: In 1992, at St. Joseph Ngara, his ministry sparked a powerful youth revival, drawing in many who would become leaders in their own right.
- Leadership: He served with distinction as a Vicar and Rural Dean across several parishes, including St. Monica Dandora, St. Michael & All Angels, St. Christopher Mathare, and the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord (COROL) in Soweto.
- Mentorship: A true “teacher of teachers,” he mentored many, including the current Bishop of the Nairobi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Jonathan Kabiru Kariuki.
He concluded his formal active ministry at St. Faith Kariobangi, where he served until his retirement in 2016.
Family Life
In 1982, Rev. Ezekiel married his first love, the late Agatha Waithira, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Murang’a. They were blessed with two daughters, Joanne Wanjiku and Monica Njeri. Following Agatha’s passing, the Lord blessed him again in 1990 through his union with Keziah Wanjiru. Together, they raised a beautiful family including Nelly Njeri, Edward Njuguna, Joanne Nyambura, and Mary Wairimu. He was a devoted husband, a guiding father, and a doting grandfather.
The Final Sunset
Since 2017, Rev. Ezekiel faced health challenges with the same quiet strength that defined his ministry. Despite receiving dedicated care at Avenue Nursing Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, his strength began to fade.
On the morning of Sunday, March 1, 2026, he was admitted to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital. On Monday, March 2, 2026, at the age of 74, the Lord called His faithful servant home.
Rev. Ezekiel leaves behind a legacy of humility, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. He is survived by his wife, six children, and four grandchildren.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
