The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) is set to move forward with the election of a new bishop for the Mt Kenya West diocese following a directive from the High Court. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has been ordered to initiate the election process by November 13, 2024, after months of delays and legal disputes over how the process should be conducted.
The Mt Kenya West diocese has been without a permanent bishop since the retirement of Bishop Joseph Kagunda on April 14, 2024. However, the search for his successor has been entangled in prolonged court battles regarding the adherence to the ACK Constitution and the correct procedures for selecting a new bishop.
On October 30, 2024, Justice Kizito Magare issued an order requiring Archbishop Ole Sapit to begin the election process without further delay. The court ruled that nominations for the new bishop must commence no later than November 13. The order was made following a petition by church member Pharis Muriithi, who argued that the election process had been unlawfully delayed, despite the ACK Constitution setting a deadline for elections on March 15.
In his petition, Muriithi expressed concerns that continued delays could lead to chaos within the diocese, causing further leadership wrangles and possible harm to the church community. He accused the respondents—Archbishop Ole Sapit, the provincial synod, and the Mt Kenya West synod—of failing to act in accordance with the church’s governing rules.
Justice Magare’s ruling also struck out the retired Bishop Kagunda as an interested party in the case, clearing the way for the election process to proceed. In the meantime, Archbishop Ole Sapit has appointed Bishop Julius Karanu of the Murang’a South diocese as a commissary to oversee the administration of Mt Kenya West diocese until a new bishop is elected.
The election process has seen a number of candidates come forward, including Reverend Sospeter Kuria and several archdeacons, such as Isaac Wanjii, Samuel Mwangi, Peter Ngumo, Gerald Muriithi, Charles Itegi, and Edwin Mbiiri. The candidates will be shortlisted by a church committee before the final selection, where the diocese’s synod will choose 16 representatives to participate in the vote.
Rev. Kuria, a lawyer and priest with 17 years of experience, has highlighted his dual expertise as both a spiritual leader and legal professional. He believes his background in law, particularly labor laws, could help resolve the legal challenges that have plagued the diocese in recent years. Rev. Kuria also emphasized his commitment to strengthening unity and promoting ecumenical cohesion within the church. Once the new bishop is elected, Archbishop Ole Sapit will announce the consecration date, followed by a special service to formally consecrate and enthrone the new bishop of Mt Kenya West diocese. This election marks a critical step in addressing the leadership vacuum in the Mt Kenya West diocese, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future direction of the church in the region.
