ACK begins process to elect new Mt Kenya West bishop

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has begun the process of electing the third bishop of the Mt Kenya West Diocese, following the retirement of Bishop Joseph Kagunda on April 14.

Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, under High Court orders, was mandated to initiate the election process by November 13.

Justice Kizito Magare had directed the church to adhere strictly to its constitution in the election process.

On November 16, the diocesan chancellor, Lay Canon Edward Wachira, distributed nomination forms to synod delegates at St Peter’s Cathedral, Nyeri. Delegates have 30 days to return the forms, as stipulated by the church’s constitution.

The position has attracted eight candidates, including Rev Sospeter Kuria, along with Archdeacons Isaac Wanjii, Samuel Mwangi, Peter Ngumo, Gerald Muriithi, Charles Itegi, and Edwin Mbiiri.

Each candidate must secure nominations from at least five synod members, consisting of three clergy and two lay leaders, or vice versa.

Rev Kuria, a lawyer and one of the aspirants, confirmed that the filled nomination forms would be opened on December 14 in the presence of Murang’a South Diocese Bishop Julius Karanu, who was appointed commissary by Archbishop Ole Sapit to oversee the diocese until the elections.

The nominated candidates will face the search committee for vetting on January 18, 2025, to narrow the list to three.

The final election will take place on February 8, 2025, when a 23-member electoral college--comprising 16 diocesan representatives and seven(7) from the province--will convene at St Peter’s Cathedral Nyeri to select the new bishop.

Bishop Kagunda’s retirement follows a tenure marked by leadership conflicts and legal battles, including a high-profile court case involving three priests accused of homosexuality.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto recently appointed the retired bishop as chairperson of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

Rev Kuria, who is a 17-year veteran in the clergy, aims to combine his legal expertise with his pastoral role to resolve the diocese’s longstanding legal challenges.

“With my background in labor laws and human resource management, I will address clergy and staff issues amicably,” said Kuria, who hails from Mahiga ward in Othaya, Nyeri County.

The new bishop-elect will assume office immediately after the election, with Archbishop Ole Sapit setting a consecration date to officially enthrone the diocesan head.

The Mt Kenya West Diocese, established in 1993, has had two bishops: Rt Rev Alfred Chipman (1993–2004) and Bishop Kagunda (2004–2023).

On June 23, 2023, Rev Major Samson Gachathi was consecrated and officially enthroned as the third bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Nyahururu Diocese. The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Ole Sapit.