New Malindi Anglican Diocese gets first bishop

Governor Amason Kingi (right) addresses guests in during the enthronement of the first Bishop of Malindi, Bishop Lawrence Dena (left) on Sunday. The Diocese has been split from the Mombasa ACK. [PHOTO: PHILIP MWAKIO/STANDARD]

Malindi, Kenya - Malindi now has its first Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishop following the creation of a new diocese.

 

Malindi Diocese has been split from the Mombasa ACK Diocese.

Bishop Lawrence Kavutsu Dena was installed as bishop of the Diocese in Malindi which was led by Anglican Primate in Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala at a colourful ceremony filled with Anglican faithful on Sunday.

The faithful and priests at the ceremony came from Malindi, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties, which are included in the new diocese.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, incoming Chief of Kenya Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Rtd General Joseph Kibwana, Malindi MP Dan Kangu, Kenya Bureau of Standards chairman Lucas Maitha and Kilifi County Public Service Board chairman James Mlewa were present.

Archbishop Wabukala challenged leaders to practise responsible leadership guided by the principles of trust, reliability and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

international community

The Archbishop reiterated terrorism was an international security concern and called upon the international community to address the issue instead of imposing travel advisories on Kenya.

"Terrorism is not a Kenyan affair. US, UK and other countries should stop issuing travel advisories as this is a problem affecting all the countries, " Wabukala said.

Bishop Dena reiterated his resolve to serve the church diligently adding that he will embrace the faithful of all religions.

Governor Kingi called for religious tolerance among Christians and Muslims, observing that terror acts being were aimed at dividing Kenya along religious lines.

"The persecution of Christians by terrorists should not be allowed anywhere. This is not a religious war as terrorists would want us to believe. True religions call for the unity and harmony. As the religious leaders, I urge you to stretch your hand to Muslims leaders to come together and remain united," Kingi said.

He appealed to the newly enthroned bishop to mediate as King Solomon of the Old Testament to solve the myriad of challenges facing the diocese of Malindi which extends from Kilifi to Tana River and Lamu counties.

The Governor promised the new bishop support on behalf of the governors of Tana River and Lamu counties who faced similar challenges of radicalisation, drug and substance abuse, as well as prostitution.

"Corruption and insecurity are like siamese twins and must be addressed by all," Wabukala added.