By Reuben Olita -Busia
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Okude, on Saturday night,⁰ held a solemn midnight prayer as the diocese prepares for the upcoming bishops’ election.
The midnight prayer focused on seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and unity throughout the election process. Bishop Okude prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide the electors in making decisions founded on integrity, prayerful discernment, and obedience to God rather than personal ambition, pressure, or tribal considerations.
Bishop Okude emphasized that the election should yield leaders of sound doctrine, compassion, courage, and integrity—leaders who will faithfully shepherd the church, defend the truth, and promote unity and spiritual growth within Katakwa Diocese.
He also prayed for peace, progress, and the preservation of the dignity of the church during the entire electoral process. The service concluded with a collective commitment to submit the election outcome to God’s will, trusting that the diocese will emerge stronger, united, and spiritually aligned with divine purpose.
The ACK Katakwa Diocese is expected to conduct the bishops’ election later this year, guided by prayer and faithful discernment. Bishop Okude is scheduled to officially retire on February 28, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Following his retirement, the ACK Archbishop, Rt. Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit will formally notify all ACK dioceses that the Diocese of Katakwa has become vacant.
Interested applicants will then be required to fill nomination forms, which will be forwarded to the diocesan search committee.
The search committee is expected to release the names of cleared candidates by May 2026, after which the Electoral College will oversee the election of Katakwa’s third bishop.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991. Rt. Rev. Eliud Okiring served as the founding bishop from 1991 to 2006, followed by Rt. Rev. Zakayo Epus from 2006 to 2015. Bishop Okude has led the diocese since 2016.
