By Reuben Olita
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Okude, on Saturday morning formally retired from the helm of the church, a position he has held since August 28, 2016.
Following his retirement, Bishop Charles Ong’njo of Maseno South Diocese was appointed caretaker bishop ( commissary) by the ACK Archbishop, Rt. Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, to oversee the transition and the upcoming election of the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese.
In a symbolic handover ceremony, Bishop Okude surrendered the Bishop’s staff — a symbol of divine authority — to the Provincial Secretary, Rt. Rev. Joseph Galgalo, who later handed it to the caretaker bishop for safe custody until the consecration and enthronement of the fourth bishop. Bishop Ong’njo subsequently tasked the Diocesan Administrative Secretary, Rev. Milton Barasa Masake, with keeping custody of the staff.
Galgalo said Bishop Ong’njo will work closely with the Standing Committee of the Synod, expressing optimism that if plans proceed as scheduled, the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese will be consecrated and enthroned by May.
“We have faith in God that the work will start well and continue well. We have faith in Katakwa Diocese Christians. Over the years, God has blessed Katakwa with three bishops who have discharged their duties and retired without hitches. Let us not let down the Church of Christ. I have no doubt the elections will be peaceful,” said Galgalo.
While unveiling the election blueprint, Galgalo assured the faithful that no pastoral or administrative duties would come to a halt, noting that various boards and church administrative structures will continue operating normally.
Okude’s Farewell Message
Addressing Christians after his formal retirement, Bishop Okude prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide electors in making decisions founded on integrity, prayerful discernment, and obedience to God — rather than personal ambition, pressure, or tribal considerations.
He expressed his wish that the election would 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 appealed for peace, progress, and preservation of the dignity of the church throughout the electoral process, calling for divine intervention for its success.
“After nine-and-a-half years, my tenure has reached an end. I urge the clergy not to be driven by greed. Let God do His work. The Archbishop has appointed Bishop Ong’njo as commissary. I had no hand in the appointment. We did our best. The future of the diocese lies in prayers so as to make it sound, vibrant, and visionary,” he said.
He added that it was his firm belief that the diocese would emerge stronger, united, and spiritually aligned with divine purpose after the election of his successor.
Election Timeline
Galgalo outlined the electoral process, saying it will begin with a 21-day notice declaring the seat of Katakwa Diocese vacant. Interested applicants will then have 21 days to fill nomination forms before the list is 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 fourth bishop.
Brief History of Katakwa Diocese
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 led the diocese from 2016 until February 28, 2026.
A special retirement service was held at the ACK Guest House Hall in Amagoro. In his final official function, Bishop Okude presided over the wedding of two couples and led the baptism of a child, Jenifer Joy Asuku, with Rt. Rev. Joseph Galgalo overseeing the baptism.
The retirement service was attended by representatives from Kampala, West Buganda, Cherangani Hills, Kimilili, Soroti, Kisii, Machakos, Baringo, Maseno North, Bungoma, and Nairobi Cathedral dioceses.
Among the bishops present were George Mechumo (Bungoma), Musa Kamuren (Baringo), Bernard Owuor (Maseno East), and three retired bishops.
