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By Reuben Olitaย
Ten aspirants seeking to become the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese on Saturday appeared before a 12-member selection panel in a crucial step towards succeeding retired Bishop Rt. Rev. John Okude.
The interviews were conducted at the ACK Cathedral Katakwa and chaired by Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich of Kitale Diocese.
The candidates interviewed were:
Rev. Ben Oriama โ Kabkara Archdeaconry
Rev. Milton Barasa Masake โ Diocesan Administrative Secretary
Rev. Moses Idewa โ Alupe Archdeaconry
Rev. Cain Emojong โ Katakwa Archdeaconry
Rev. Sylvester Lutta โ Katakwa Archdeaconry
Rev. Peter Otwane โ Kenya Defence Forces
Rev. Isabella Inyele Imoh โ Amagoro Archdeaconry
Rev. Dan Emoru โ Nairobi Archdeaconry
Rev. Job Ekuru โ Chamasiri Archdeaconry
Rev. Innocent Itubo โ Machakusi Archdeaconry
Some aspirants who spoke anonymously said the interview panel focused on matters of character, integrity, leadership ability, and competence.
Following the interviews, the top three candidates will have their names forwarded to the Provincial Synod before being officially announced by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
The three shortlisted candidates will then face the Electoral College on June 13 to determine the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese.
Bishop Rt. Rev. John Okude retired on February 28, 2026, after serving the diocese for a decade since 2016.
Following his retirement, Bishop Charles Ongโnjo of Maseno South Diocese was appointed caretaker bishop (commissary) to oversee the transition process.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991. Rt. Rev. Eliud Okiring served as the founding bishop from 1991 to 2006 before handing over to Rt. Rev. Zakayo Epus, who served from 2006 to 2015. Bishop Okude then took over leadership from 2016 until his retirement in 2026.
In the 2016 election won by Emeritus Okude, Rev. Lutta took second position with Rev. Idewa emerging third overall.
Church faithful now await the June 13 election that will unveil the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese โ with many likening the anticipation to the Vaticanโs โwhite smokeโ moment.
