By REUBEN OLITA
June 15, 2026| Two days after a closely fought election that went to a second round of voting, Ven. Moses Idewa Barasa has conceded defeat and called on bishop-elect Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru (pictured) to unite the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese and restore its prophetic ministry.
Speaking in a phone interview on Sunday evening, Idewa said he had accepted the verdict delivered by the Electoral College and wished the incoming bishop success.
“It’s over and let God’s will be done. I gave my best shot, but the members of the Electoral College had their say,” he said.
In what appeared to be a call for healing after the hotly contested race, Idewa challenged the bishop-elect to focus on unity and strengthen the church’s voice on societal issues.
“With Dr. Ekuru elected to take over from Bishop Emeritus John Okude, I expect delivery and for him to bring unity and sanity to the church. He should also restore the prophetic ministry of the church,” he added.
Saturday’s election marked the end of a months-long succession process following the retirement of Bishop Emeritus Dr. John Okude Omuse on February 28, 2026, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.
Ten candidates initially expressed interest in succeeding him before a 12-member panel narrowed the field to three finalists: Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, Ven. Moses Idewa Barasa and Rev. Cain Emojong.
According to sources familiar with the process, none of the candidates secured an outright victory in the first round. Dr. Ekuru led with 16 votes while Rev. Emojong finished third and was eliminated.
In the decisive second round, Dr. Ekuru widened his lead, garnering 18 votes against Idewa’s five to secure the mandate to become the fourth bishop of the diocese.
The election was supervised by caretaker Bishop and Commissary Rt. Rev. Charles Ong’njo of Maseno South Diocese and involved a 23-member Electoral College comprising clergy, lay leaders and delegates appointed by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages continued to pour in for the bishop-elect.
Former Busia gubernatorial candidate Dan Mogoria described the victory as a reflection of the confidence the Electoral College had in Dr. Ekuru’s spiritual leadership, wisdom and experience.
“Your victory, achieved after a competitive and closely contested election that proceeded to a second round, is a testament to the confidence that the Electoral College has placed in your spiritual leadership, experience, wisdom and commitment to the Church,” Mogoria said in a statement.
He prayed that Dr. Ekuru’s ministry would be marked by unity, peace, spiritual renewal and service to all.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma also congratulated the bishop-elect, assuring him of the county government’s support as he prepares for consecration and enthronement later next month.
Otuoma said Dr. Ekuru’s election, following his service as Archdeacon of Chamasir Archdeaconry and priest at St. Paul’s ACK Kakemer, demonstrated the trust and confidence the church had placed in his leadership.
“We remain committed to partnering with the Church in programmes that uplift our people socially, economically and spiritually,” the governor said.
Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua also joined in congratulating the bishop-elect, describing his election as a divine calling.
“May your leadership be guided by wisdom, humility, faith and a steadfast commitment to God’s mission,” she said, adding that she looked forward to working with him and the faithful of ACK Katakwa Diocese.
Hundreds of Christians had gathered outside the ACK Amagoro Guest House Hall awaiting the outcome after prayers led by bishops from Murang’a South, Mumias and Eldoret dioceses.
Dr. Ekuru is scheduled to be consecrated and enthroned on July 25, 2026.
Katakwa Diocese was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991. Its previous bishops are Rt. Rev. Eliud Okiring (1991-2006), Rt. Rev. Zakayo Epus (2006-2015) and Bishop Emeritus Dr. John Okude Omuse (2016-2026).