By REUBEN OLITA
May 17, 2026| Top local leaders and Anglican bishops gathered in Amagoro on Saturday to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mama Beatrice Abishag Okiring (picured), widow of the late Bishop Eliud Okiring of the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Katakwa Diocese.
The ceremony, held at her Amagoro residence, revived memories of her tumultuous life journey—from a challenging childhood to becoming a born-again Christian and a key spiritual guide within the diocese.
Leaders in attendance included Busia gubernatorial aspirant Arthur Amug Osiya, Governor Emeritus Sospeter Ojaamong, Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, former Amagoro MP AAA Ekirapa, Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu, MCAs Bonface Erute (Amukura West) and Joseph Eseme (Angurai South). Others were MP aspirant Commissioner Ichasi Imwene, veteran politician Ishmael Orodi, and former Deputy Speaker Moses Ote.
Bishops present included Bishop Josiah Were of Nambale Diocese, Bishop Emeritus Simon Oketch (Maseno North)—who delivered the sermon—Bishop Emeritus Nicodemus Okile from Uganda, and Bishop Emeritus Stephen Kewasis of Eldoret Diocese.
Heavy rains disrupted the outdoor event, forcing most leaders to avoid political speeches. However, Commissioner Ichasi Imwene briefly ventured into politics, issuing a direct challenge to incumbent MP Oku Kaunya. “I am looking for the MP seat in 2027. Only two people will be in the race—Oku and myself,” Ichasi said. “Let those in the diaspora not resign from their jobs so that the community can continue enjoying numbers in both private and public sector employment.”
PAS Osiya praised Mama Beatrice, the first President of the Mothers’ Union, for her decades-long spiritual journey, saying it should be emulated by society. MP Oku Kaunya thanked her for her role as an advisor and mentor to many leaders. Former Deputy Speaker Moses Ote noted that the celebration was not merely about attaining 80 years, but about what one accomplishes during those years.
Veteran politician Ishmael Orodi said Mama Beatrice had spent her eight decades relying on God. “I am remaining with nine years to reach the 80-year mark. Pray for me,” he joked.
Mzee Samson Olubayi sparked laughter when he remarked: “Governors are called Emeritus. I also want to be called Chief Emeritus.” MC Victor Ochakala added: “Life is a precious gift. Reaching 80 years is a blessing and a matter of grace.”
In her speech, Mama Beatrice reflected on her long and challenging journey. “It has not been easy going through all these years, including this decade of bonus the Lord has granted me,” she said. “Psalms 90:10 reminds us that 70 years are ordained for us, with additional years being bonuses from God. My joy is that I am living on God’s bonus years.”
She further cited Psalms 90:12, urging people to learn to count their days wisely. “It is not by default that I am 80, but by the grace of God. May He continue guiding me as I count the many bonus years He still has ahead for me.”
Mama Beatrice nostalgically recalled the Provincial Mothers’ Union celebrations held in Nairobi in 1982, where delegates from all dioceses attended. “At Nyamasaria, a few kilometres after Kisumu, we were involved in a road accident,” she said. “Both my kneecaps were dislodged, my right index finger was chopped off but later sewn back, and I sustained head injuries whose scars remain visible to this day.” She said the injuries permanently affected her mobility and comfort in daily life.
Mama Beatrice deliberately avoided discussing in detail the role she played in the struggle for the creation of Katakwa Diocese, saying the story and its intricacies would be told at another time.
Mama Beatrice Okiring is remembered for serving as the national president of the Anglican Church Mothers’ Union in Kenya between 2000 and 2003. Among her sons is Douglas Okiring, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing and Urban Development in the Busia County Government.