Archbishop Eliud Wabukala ordains first bishop of newly created ACK diocese

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has enthroned Canon Joshua Owiti as the first bishop of the newly created Maseno East Diocese.

The diocese was carved out of the larger Maseno South Diocese.

The 57-year-old bishop was consecrated at a colourful ceremony held at Rae Girls High School in Nyakach, Kisumu County.

The colourful ceremony was presided over by outgoing Archbishop Eliud Wabukala and the Archbishop-elect Jackson ole Sapit.

Speaking shortly after his consecration, Bishop Owiti called upon Kenyans to embrace unity in diversity.

"We must promote unity in diversity as a country if we want peaceful progress," said Owiti.

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He urged leaders from both the Opposition and the Government to come together and dialogue on critical issues.

Wabukala challenged the newly elected church leaders, including the incoming Archbishop Ole Sapit, to provide a leading role in promoting peace and unity in the country.

"There might be a lot of anxiety as we approach 2017 but I am urging everyone of us to remain humble like Jesus and promote national cohesion and peace," he said.

The Archbishop-elect Ole Sapit did not have much to tell the faithful, saying that he was only present to see how things are done.

Bishop Ouma began his career in 1985 when he was ordained as deacon and became priest in 1986.

He was canonised on January 16, 2005, and made the Dean of the St Stephens' Cathedral Kisumu in 2008, a position he held till he got the bishop's seat.

He holds a master's degree in Christian Leadership from Great Lakes University and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University.

He married Phoebe Merab Owiti in 1988 and they are blessed with three children.

Other than being a priest in charge of parishes and eventually the cathedral, Canon Ouma was an official of the National Council of Churches in Kenya, Kisumu district, between 1994 and 1988.

He is currently the Chairman and Coordinator of Nyanza Region Archdeacons and Wives Fellowship and the Chairman to the Strategic Planning and Building Committee of the St Stephens' Cathedral Building.