Archbishop Eliud Wabukala praised for his efforts at farewell service

Most Reverend Dr Eliud Wabukala (2nd right) 5th Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya hugs Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali,Archbishop of the Church of Uganda (right) during his retirement service at the All Saints Cathedral,Nairobi. Natalie presided over the service. May 8th,2016. Photo/Elvis Ogina (Nairobi)

Hundreds of worshippers thronged the All Saints Cathedral yesterday to bid farewell to retiring Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala.

He was praised for the work he had accomplished in the past seven years at the helm.

The procession began with the church leaders, dressed in either white or red robes, walking into the cathedral at around 10am.

The sermon was delivered by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali.

Archbishop Ntagali emphasised the need for repentance, obedience and prayer in times of both joy and tribulation.

He noted that while Wabukala's tenure at the church had come to an end, his ministering should not.

Archbishop Wabukala, who will step down in June after the election of the new head on May 20, enumerated his key achievements, including creation of more diocese and mentorship of church leaders among others.

He was, however, quick to add that there have been challenges along the way.

He leaves behind a Sh1.9 billion investment programme, which he urged his successor to complete.

Wabukala became the Bishop of Bungoma on October 13, 1996, and served for 12 years before being elected Archbishop on April 24, 2009, to succeed Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi.

He has been the vice-chairman and chairman of the National Council of Churches of Kenya.

He is currently serving as the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee.

A team from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission noted the remarkable work he has done fighting corruption in the country.

Six candidates have already been cleared to run for the position on May 20 including James Ochiel (South Nyanza), Moses Masamba (Mbeere), Joseph ole Sapit (Kericho), Joel Waweru (Nairobi), and Lawrence Dena (Malindi).