By REUBEN OLITA
June 13, 2026|Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru (pictured) has been elected the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese following a closely contested election by the Provincial Electoral College on Saturday.
The 23-member Electoral College signaled the outcome with songs of praise after overwhelmingly electing Dr. Ekuru in the second round of voting, ending a stalemate that had lasted for over two hours.
He defeated fellow contenders Ven. Moses Idewa and Rev. Cain Emojong.Dr. Ekuru succeeds Rt. Rev. John Okude, who retired on February 28, 2026, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
The Electoral College was chaired by Rt. Rev. Dr. Christopher Ruto, Bishop of Eldoret Diocese. Other members included Rt. Rev. Julius Karanu, Bishop of Murang’a South Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Wandera, Bishop of Mumias Diocese.
During the transition period, the Diocese of Katakwa had been under the oversight of Rt. Rev. Charles Onginjo, Bishop of Maseno South Diocese, who served as Commissary to the Archbishop.
Speaking after the announcement at the diocesan headquarters in Amagoro, Bishop-elect Ekuru thanked God for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work diligently for the growth of the church.
“I want first to thank the Electoral College, the clergy, and the faithful of this great Diocese of Katakwa for the immense trust you have placed in me,” he said.”I come to you not just as your bishop-elect but as a fellow servant. My prayer is that you will find in me a good shepherd, a listening ear, and a devoted father in faith. My door and my heart will always remain open to you.”
He said his priorities would include strengthening local parishes by empowering clergy, evangelists, and lay readers; deepening the church’s spiritual foundation through prayer, scripture, and sacraments; and expanding outreach programmes to serve the vulnerable and marginalized members of society.
The provincial delegates appointed by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit included Rt. Rev. Christopher Ruto, Rt. Rev. Julius Karanu, Rt. Rev. Joseph Wandera, Solomon Bii, George Magomba, Lucy Karako, and Ven. Paul Muli.
Diocesan delegates were Moffats Okisai, Apollo Ingoba, and Miriam Onyapidi.The election was preceded by a special service and prayers for the three bishop aspirants led by Rt. Rev. Joseph Wandera.
In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Julius Karanu quoted 1 Timothy, reminding the aspirants that the office of bishop is a noble calling and that leadership in the church is a call to service rather than prestige.Dr. Ekuru is expected to be consecrated and enthroned as the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese on July 25, 2026.
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 led the diocese from 2006 to 2015. Rt. Rev. John Okude then took over in 2016 and served until his retirement in 2026.