Katakwa ACK Bishop Emeritus Rt Rev John Okunde hands over the Bishop’s Staff to provincial secretary Rt Rev Joseph Galgalo during a symbolic retirement service held at the ACK Guest House Hall in Amagoro on Saturday /HILTON OTENYO


The Anglican Church of Kenya's Katakwa Diocese Bishop Rt Rev John Okude has retired after nearly a decade of service.

ACK Archbishop Rt Rev Jackson Ole Sapit appointed Bishop Charles Ong’injo of Maseno South Diocese as caretaker bishop (commissary) pending the selection of Okude’s successor.

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Ong’injo will oversee the transition and the upcoming election of the diocese’s fourth bishop.

During a special retirement service at the ACK Guest House Hall in Amagoro on Saturday, Okude handed over the Bishop’s staff — the symbol of divine authority — to provincial secretary Rt Rev Joseph Galgalo.

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The staff will remain under the custody of Diocesan Administrative Secretary Rev Milton Masake until the consecration and enthronement of the new bishop.

Galgalo assured the faithful that the election process, expected to conclude by May 2026, would be peaceful.

“We have faith in God that the process will start well and continue well. Over the years, Katakwa has had three bishops who served and retired without hitches,” he said.

The process begins with a 21-day notice declaring the seat vacant, followed by a 21-day nomination period.

Names of cleared candidates will then be released by the diocesan search committee, with the Electoral College overseeing the final election.

Addressing Christians, Okude urged integrity, prayerful discernment and obedience to God as guiding principles.

“I urge the clergy not to be driven by greed. Let God do His work," he said.

"The future of the diocese lies in prayers so as to make it sound, vibrant and visionary.” 

Katakwa Diocese was carved from Nambale Diocese in 1991. Rt Rev Eliud Okiring served as the founding bishop (1991-2006), followed by Rt Rev Zakayo Epus (2006-2015) and Okude (2016-2026).

The retirement service drew representatives from dioceses across Kenya and Uganda, including Kampala, West Buganda, Cherangani Hills, Kimilili, Soroti, Kisii, Machakos, Baringo, Maseno North, Bungoma and Nairobi Cathedral.

Bishops in attendance included George Mechumo (Bungoma), Musa Kamuren (Baringo) and Bernard Owuor (Maseno East).

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The retirement of Rt Rev John Okude marks a significant transition for Katakwa Diocese, signalling continuity and opportunity for renewal. With Bishop Charles Ong’injo appointed as caretaker, the diocese is set to navigate a structured, prayerful election process that prioritises integrity and spiritual discernment.

The smooth handover reflects ACK’s tradition of orderly succession, reinforcing institutional stability. For the clergy and faithful, the period offers a chance to reaffirm unity, strengthen spiritual engagement and ensure the new leadership builds on the diocese’s legacy while addressing contemporary pastoral and community needs.