By Reuben Olita
The Anglican Church of Kenya’s Katakwa Diocese held a pre-farewell service for Bishop John Okude on Saturday, July 26, at the St. Thomas Amagoro Church grounds in Amagoro Diocese.
Bishop Okude is set to retire on February 28, 2026, after nine years of service as the third bishop of Katakwa. His final farewell service will be held on November 9, 2025, at Katakwa Cathedral.
Bishop Okude, who has served the church for 47 years—including seven years as an evangelist—retires upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
“I’m retiring with my head held high,” said Okude. “Among other achievements, I spearheaded the construction of the Diocesan office in Amagoro, which is currently in use.”
He urged Christians from Amagoro to redouble their efforts to complete the new church in time for its commissioning by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit on November 8, 2025.
In his sermon, Bishop Jonathan Kabiru of the Nairobi Diocese quoted Isaiah 40:3, focusing on the theme of hope in the Lord.
“John, it is hope in the Lord that has carried you this far. Continue to hold on to that hope in retirement. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and be empowered afresh,” said Kabiru.
He added: “Those who trust in the Lord remain radiant and live long. Their lives bear fruit in every season. May you continue to celebrate new milestones.”
Bishop Emeritus Zakayo Epus, the second Bishop of Katakwa, praised Bishop Okude for his leadership and infrastructural contributions to the Diocese.
“Bishop Okude has done great work. He constructed the Diocesan office and the Bishop’s House. He also played a major role in the planning and building of the new church. I hope he will bless it before he retires,” said Epus.
Earlier in the day, Bishop Okude blessed the oldest mvule (elwa) tree on the church compound. Planted 29 years ago, the tree is now set to be harvested for timber to construct doors and windows for the new church.
Kenya Anglican Men’s Association (KAMA) member Ishmael Orodi thanked Bishop Okude for his distinguished service.
“He had a strong network that benefited the church greatly. For instance, he hosted Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo and later led a return visit to Uganda. His presence will be dearly missed,” Orodi said.
With Bishop Okude’s departure on the horizon, the race to succeed him has begun. Seven candidates have expressed interest in becoming the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese:
- Ven. Sylvester Lutta (Katakwa Archdeacon)
- Ven. Vitalis Ekuru (Chamasiri Archdeacon)
- Rev. Cain Emojong (Vicar, Akawai)
- Rev. Milton Masake (Administrative Secretary)
- Ven. Moses Idewa (Kabkara Archdeacon)
- Rev. Isabella Inyele Imo (Vicar General, St. Thomas Amagoro Church)
- Ven. Benson Oriama (Malaba Archdeacon)
Notably, Rev. Idewa and Ven. Lutta were among the three candidates who contested against Bishop Okude in the last episcopal election. Idewa finished second, with Lutta coming in third.
Amagoro Denary currently comprises seven parishes, each led by an archdeacon. Fredrick Adungo of Kengatuny Parish serves as the Rural Dean of the Amagoro Denary.