By REUBEN OLITA
May 11, 2026| Ten aspirants seeking to become the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese appeared before a 12-member selection panel on Saturday 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 of Kabkara Archdeaconry, Rev. Milton Barasa Masake who serves as Diocesan Administrative Secretary, Rev. Moses Idewa of Alupe Archdeaconry, Rev. Cain Emojong of Katakwa Archdeaconry, Rev. Sylvester Lutta of Katakwa Archdeaconry, Rev. Peter Otwane of the Kenya Defence Forces, Rev. Isabella Inyele Imoh of Amagoro Archdeaconry, Rev. Dan Emoru of Nairobi Archdeaconry, Rev. Job Ekuru of Chamasiri Archdeaconry, and Rev. Innocent Itubo of 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 Okude retired on February 28, 2026, after serving the diocese for a decade since 2016. Following his retirement, Bishop Charles Ong’injo of Maseno South Diocese was appointed caretaker bishop, or commissary, to oversee the transition process.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991 following a sustained campaign by local faithful who sought greater autonomy in church administration. 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 the now-retired Okude, Rev. Lutta finished second while Rev. Idewa placed third overall.
Ahead of the current race, Bishop Emeritus Zakayo Epus warned against division, urging the church to maintain the peace the diocese has enjoyed since its often-turbulent founding years.
Church faithful now await the June 13 election that will unveil the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese, with many likening the anticipation to the Vatican’s white smoke moment signalling the selection of a new pope.