ACK Katakwa Diocese Bishop Emeritus John Okude surrenders the Bishop’s staff — a symbol of divine authority — to the Provincial Secretary, Rt. Rev. Joseph Galgalo in Amagoro/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
Ten clerics are in the race to succeed former Katakwa Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop John Okude, who retired in February after serving the diocese for a decade.
The aspirants appeared before a 12-member selection panel on Saturday in a key stage of the process to elect the fourth bishop of Katakwa Diocese.
The interviews were conducted at ACK Cathedral Katakwa and chaired by Kitale Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich.
Those interviewed were Rev Ben Oriama of Kabkara Archdeaconry, Rev Milton Barasa Masake, the diocesan administrative secretary, Rev Moses Idewa of Alupe Archdeaconry, Rev Cain Emojong of Katakwa Archdeaconry and Rev Sylvester Lutta of Katakwa Archdeaconry.
Others were Rev Peter Otwane of the Kenya Defence Forces, Rev Isabella Inyele Imoh of Amagoro Archdeaconry, Rev Dan Emoru of Nairobi Archdeaconry, Rev Job Ekuru of Chamasiri Archdeaconry and Rev Innocent Itubo of Machakusi Archdeaconry.
Some of the aspirants, who spoke after the interviews, said the panel placed emphasis on character, integrity, leadership and competence.
The panel is expected to forward the names of the top three candidates to the Provincial Synod before they are officially announced by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
The shortlisted candidates will then face the Electoral College on June 13 in a vote that will determine the next bishop of Katakwa Diocese.
Rt Rev Okude retired on February 28, 2026, bringing to a close ten years at the helm of the diocese, having taken over its leadership in 2016.
Following his retirement, the bishop of Maseno South Diocese Charles Ong’njo was appointed caretaker bishop to oversee the transition.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991. Rt Rev Eliud Okiring became its founding bishop and served until 2006 before handing over to Rt Rev Zakayo Epus, who led the diocese from 2006 to 2015.
Bishop Okude then served from 2016 until his retirement in February.
In the 2016 election that ushered in Bishop Okude, Rev Lutta emerged second while Rev Idewa finished third.
As the June 13 election draws closer, anticipation is steadily building among worshippers and clergy, with some faithful likening the wait for the outcome to the Vatican’s symbolic “white smoke” moment.
