Archbishop Ole Sapit Appoints Bishop Karanu To Oversee Operations Of Murang’a South Diocese
Reverend Sospeter Nguru who is contesting to become the bishop of Mt Kenya West diocese. PHOTO BY RAYMOND WANJOHI.
By Raymond Wanjohi
Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mt Kenya West diocese is yet to select its new head, three months after the retirement of Bishop Joseph Kagunda.
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, has appointed Murang’a South diocese bishop Julius Karanu to oversee operations of the diocese before the selection of the new bishop.
According to lawyer Sospeter Nguru, who is a candidate eyeing for the diocese’s top seat, the appointment ought to have been made from within the diocese.
“In normal circumstances, the Archbishop appoints a commissary from the resident diocese. But probably, due to the leadership wrangles pitting the diocese, he opted to pick him from the neighbouring diocese,” Nguru said.
Nguru, a reverend who has served the Church for 17 years, is among the seven candidates who have offered their candidature for the seat that was left vacant on April 14 this year.
He seeks to introduce his expertise as a lawyer and a priest to the diocese.
He believes he also has the capacity to solve legal battles that have entangled the diocese over the years.Nguru hails from Mahiga ward in Othaya, Nyeri County.
He was the first person to be ordained as a reverend under the ACK Munyage parish.
“As a transformative learned friend, I will bring a lot of wealth to the church as a priest and a lawyer by embracing the adherence of scriptures as well as the legal system. I have been doing pro bono legal awareness forums not only in ACK but also in other churches so as to promote ecumenical cohesion,” Reverend Nguru said.
“With my legal expertise on labour laws, the diocese will not experience legal battles as it has experienced there before. My experience in human resources management will help me address the clergy and other employees’ issues amicably,” he added.
Retired bishop Kagunda’s succession has been marred by wrangles that spilled over to the courts in April this year.
Prior to his retirement, a High Court in Nyeri had prohibited Kagunda from convening the diocese’s 16th ordinary meeting of the synod.
Members of the diocese’s synod were supposed to pick 16 representatives amongst themselves so as to participate in electing the next bishop. A synod is the governing council of the church, which consists of the House of Bishops, the Clergy and the Laity.
Lady Justice Maureen Odero stopped the synod meeting that was scheduled to take place on April 9 and 10 at Othaya Boys High School in Nyeri County.
One of the church’s faithful, Pharis Muriithi, had sought the orders.
Other candidates vying for the diocese’s top seat include Archdeacons Isaac Wanjii, Samuel Mwangi, Peter Ngumo, Gerald Muriithi, Charles Itegi and Edwin Mbiiri.
The candidates will be shortlisted by the church’s committee. The committee will then come up with three candidates who will compete at the ballot.
On June 23 this year, Reverend Major Samson Gachathi was consecrated and enthroned as the 3rd bishop of ACK Nyahururu diocese by Archbishop Ole Sapit.
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