By Allan Kisia and Robert Wanyonyi

When Bishop Eliud Wabukala expressed interest in becoming the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, faithful in his Bungoma Diocese were not enthusiastic.

They knew if he meant his words, Wabukala would leave the diocese, as indications were that he had high chances of becoming the head of the ACK.

Nevertheless they were jubilant when he was announced the winner.

ACK Bungoma Diocese and Elgon faithful broke into song and dance temporarily stopping business in the town.

The faithful flocked the streets as early as 1pm to wait for the results.

Faithful mob Archbishop-elect Eliud Wabukala in Bungoma, Saturday. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/STANDARD]

"We did not anticipate the win, the contest was tight with all qualified leaders but we are happy he was the one chosen," said Martin Wekesa, a faithful.

He added: "We are going to continue praying to God to give him wisdom to lead and for a suitable replacement here in Bungoma."

Wabakula’s win brought joy and celebration as members gathered at St Crispins Church yesterday to await his return.

Bumpy road

Another group, in a convoy of vehicles, went to Webuye to receive Wabukala, who travelled by road from Nairobi after he failed to get a flight to Eldoret.

The administrative secretary of the ACK Diocese of Bungoma, George Mechumo, says members did not welcome Wabukala’s announcement that he would go for the top seat but wished him well.

"People did not want him to go for the seat but when it appeared that he was really interested, we gave him all the support he needed," said Mechumo.

Wabukala faced stiff competition from Maseno West bishop Joseph Wasonga, Taita Taveta’s Bishop Samson Mwaluda and Kitale’s Bishop Stephen Kewasis.

Mechumo said members of the diocese probably think that no one would match the new Archbishops development record.

Wabukala is the Founder of Wycliffe Centre for Theology and Mission and Development in Bungoma. The institution is an affiliate of the Limuru based St Paul ’s Theological College.

Visionary leader

The centre has conference facilities and a bed capacity of 30 guests. Mechumo said since Wabukala was consecrated in October 1996, the diocese has opened seven health clinics.

"Wabukala got funding from Peterborough Diocese in England to set up these clinics and to equip them," he said.

The number of ordained clergy in Bungoma Diocese has also gone up from 19 to 89.

"These people did not have good training. Wabukala has left behind an intellectual community," reiterated Mechumo.

He said more churches and schools have been constructed under Wabakula’s leadership.

The number of primary schools sponsored by the church in Bungoma Diocese went up from 20 to 56 while secondary schools increased from three to eight.

"He is a visionary leader. The diocese had no foundation and its infrastructure was basic but he has transformed it," he said.