Bungoma picks new ACK bishop

Bungoma Anglican Church administrative secretary Rev George Mechumo has been elected bishop of the diocese.

He succeeds Bishop Eliud Wabukala, who was elevated to Anglican Archbishop of Kenya in April.

Rev Mechumo was elected by 12 votes against close rival St Crispin Bungoma vicar-general Rev Kistos Kere Khisa’s 11 votes.

Rev Joseph Juma Weswa was knocked out in the first round of voting.

The vote was conducted by a 23-man electoral college presided over by counsels Julius Khakula from Bungoma and Tom Onyango from Nairobi.

Five hours

Tension was high at St Crispin ACK church where the elections were held as supporters of the candidates confronted each other over allegations that the church’s head office had manipulated the voting.

It was alleged that the seven delegates from the ACK head office had all voted for Rev Mechumo.

Church members and journalists were kept waiting outside the church’s locked gates for five hours for the results as the electoral college retreated to a boardroom on the premises.

When he was eventually announced the winner, Rev Mechumo pledged in his acceptance speech to work for unity and the development of the church in the diocese.

He promised to set up a comprehensive education and health programme in the area.

Were witnessed

Unsuccessful candidates included Rev Stanley Lungai, Rev Joseph Kaniala, Rev Patrick Pyoko Biti, Rev Benson Opunga Oballa, Rev Henry Samson Kosio and Rev Julius Wamukota.

The elections were witnessed by Bishops Thomas Kogo of Eldoret, Jackson ole Sapit of Kericho and Daniel Munene of Kirinyaga dioceses.