Bishop David Oginde Biography
Bishop David Oginde stands as a key figure in Kenya’s religious and public sectors. His life story shows a shift from building structures to shaping lives and fighting graft. Born in Kenya during the 1960s, he started as an architect but moved into ministry and leadership roles. Today, he leads the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, or EACC, a body set up to curb corruption in the country. This biography looks at his path, from early days to current duties, to inspire readers on how one person can blend faith, education, and service for good.
Oginde’s journey highlights themes like ethical leadership and community impact. He has served in churches, schools, and government, always pushing for integrity. For example, in April 2023, President William Ruto named him EACC chair, a role he took on May 9, 2023. Before that, he guided Christ is the Answer Ministries, known as CITAM, Kenya’s biggest Pentecostal church. His work touches on faith, governance, and anti-corruption efforts, making him a role model for many Kenyans.
This article aims to educate on his life in simple terms. It covers his background, learning, jobs, home life, tough times, successes, and common questions.
Bishop David Oginde Early Life and Background
David Oginde grew up in Kenya, with roots tied to Nairobi due to his studies and work there. Exact birth details stay private, but his university start in 1980 points to a birth around the early 1960s. He came from a setting that valued learning and faith, which shaped his choices later.
In his youth, Oginde focused on practical skills. He pursued architecture, a field that needs planning and vision. This early interest in design likely built his structured way of leading groups. Little public info exists on his childhood family or specific events, but his shift to ministry suggests a strong call to serve others.
By the 1980s, he joined student Christian groups, showing early faith ties. He worked with Fellowship of Christian Unions, or FOCUS Kenya, right after university. This marked his entry into religious work. His background blends urban Kenyan life with a growing focus on Christian values. Today, this foundation helps him in roles that demand trust and ethics.
Oginde’s early experiences taught him about community needs in Kenya. He saw challenges like poverty and corruption, which later drove his career. His story encourages young people to use their roots for bigger goals.
Read Also: Bishop Mark Kariuki Biography: Early Life, Wife, Education, Career and Personal Life
Bishop David Oginde Education
David Oginde built a strong academic base over years. He started with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Nairobi, studying from 1980 to 1986. This degree trained him in design and planning, skills he later used in leadership.
Next, he earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Biblical Studies from Trinity University in the United States, between 1990 and 1991. This shifted his focus toward faith and ministry. He also got a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya Institute of Management, adding business knowledge.
In 2007 to 2008, Oginde completed a Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Pan Africa Christian University, or PAC University. This helped him understand how to lead teams well. Finally, he achieved a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in the United States, from 2009 to 2013. His thesis explored kenotic leadership, a style based on selfless service.
These qualifications mix technical, spiritual, and management learning. They prepared him for diverse roles in church and public service. Oginde often credits education for his ability to handle complex issues, like ethics in governance.
Bishop David Oginde Career
David Oginde’s career spans ministry, education, and anti-corruption work. He began in 1986 as Bible Study Secretary for FOCUS Kenya, serving until 1992. In this role, he helped build Christian unions among students.
From 1992 to 1997, he became National Director of FOCUS Kenya. He expanded programs to reach more young people with faith-based leadership training.
In 2008 to 2009, Oginde worked as an Adjunct Lecturer at Daystar University. He taught courses on leadership and ethics.
By May 2010, he took over as Presiding Bishop of CITAM. He led until December 2020, growing the church to many branches across Kenya.
During his CITAM time, from April 2011 to May 2021, he served as Chancellor of PAC University. He guided the school’s growth and programs.
In January 2021, Oginde founded and became CEO of The CataLead Associates. This firm offers coaching and training on leadership and governance.
Since 2013, he has been an Adjunct Lecturer at PAC University, sharing knowledge on organizational topics.
In April 2023, he started as Chairperson of the EACC, assuming office on May 9, 2023. He leads efforts to fight corruption in Kenya.
Oginde also chairs the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, linking churches for common goals.
His path shows a steady rise from student work to national leadership. Each step built on the last, focusing on integrity and service.
Bishop David Oginde Personal Life
David Oginde shares a stable family life with his wife, Nancy Oginde. They married over 35 years ago, as noted in public statements around 2023. Nancy works in her own career and supports ministry efforts. She has spoken on topics like empowering young men and family balance.
The couple faced early hurdles. Nancy’s father opposed the marriage at first due to tribal differences, but they overcame it after three years. Their bond grew strong through shared faith.
They have two children: son Chris and daughter Joyce. Joyce graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics in 2020. The family keeps a low profile but appears in church events.
Oginde often praises his wife in talks, highlighting partnership in life and work. They live in Nairobi, balancing public duties with home time. This personal side shows how faith guides daily choices.
Controversies and Challenges
David Oginde has faced some public debates but few major scandals. In March 2023, his nomination to EACC sparked talks. Some questioned if a clergyman should lead a secular body. This echoed past picks, like Archbishop Eliud Wabukala in 2016.
Critics worried about blending church and state. Yet, parliament approved him in April 2023. As EACC chair, he dealt with claims of slow action on graft cases. In August 2024, reports suggested plots to remove him, but he stayed in post.
In July 2025, Oginde led a prayer at State House against corrupt leaders. He cited Bible stories like Ananias and Sapphira, warning of divine judgment. This caused tension, with some seeing it as too religious for government events. Others praised it for bold anti-corruption stance.
In August 2025, he spoke on TV about corruption being normal in Kenya. He blamed voters for choosing flagged leaders, despite EACC warnings. This drew mixed views, with some agreeing and others calling for more agency action.
Oginde navigates challenges like legal limits on fighting graft. He noted in 2025 that laws sometimes hinder progress. Overall, his record stays clean, focused on ethical work.
Bishop David Oginde Achievements
David Oginde has many successes in leadership and writing. He grew CITAM from 2010 to 2020 into one of Kenya’s largest churches, with urban outreach.
As PAC University Chancellor from 2011 to 2021, he boosted programs and enrollment. His PhD work on kenotic leadership influenced many.
Oginde wrote books like “Call Me Marah” in 2010, based on the Book of Ruth. It offers lessons on faith during hard times. In 2024, he published “True Leadership: Leadership Styles and the Kenotic Relationship.” This explores selfless leading, drawing from his studies.
He has articles in leadership journals, sharing insights on governance. In 2019, Kenyans.co.ke named him among the top 100 influential Kenyans for his impact.
As EACC chair since 2023, he launched surveys like the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey. In 2025, he pushed for stronger anti-graft measures, speaking at events like cooperative leaders’ meetings.
Oginde founded The CataLead Associates in 2021, training leaders across Africa. He spoke at global forums, reaching six continents and 52 countries by 2025.
His awards include fellowship in the Chartered Institute of Secretaries. These mark his role in ethics and faith.
Conclusion
Bishop David Oginde’s life offers lessons on purpose and service. From architecture student to anti-corruption leader, he shows how skills and faith create change. His work in CITAM, PAC University, and EACC impacts Kenya’s faith and governance.
As of October 2025, Oginde keeps urging integrity in public life. His story inspires readers to seek education, build strong families, and face challenges with ethics. Future generations may see his legacy in a cleaner Kenya.
FAQs
Who is Bishop David Oginde?
He is a Kenyan leader, former CITAM Presiding Bishop from 2010 to 2020, and current EACC Chairperson since April 2023.
What is Bishop David Oginde’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Nairobi (1980-1986), Master’s in Organizational Leadership from PAC University (2007-2008), and PhD from Regent University (2009-2013).
Is Bishop David Oginde married?
Yes, to Nancy Oginde for over 35 years, with two children, Chris and Joyce.
Who succeeded Bishop David Oginde at CITAM?
Bishop Calisto Odede took over in December 2020.
What books has Bishop David Oginde written?
“Call Me Marah” (2010) and “True Leadership: Leadership Styles and the Kenotic Relationship” (2024).
What is Bishop David Oginde’s role in anti-corruption?
As EACC chair since 2023, he leads investigations and promotes ethics, including public prayers against graft in 2025.
How old is Bishop David Oginde?
Born around the early 1960s, based on his university start in 1980.
What is CATALEAD?
It is The CataLead Associates, a leadership consultancy he founded in January 2021.