More than 50 members of National Council of Churches of Kenya’s executive committee have confirmed attendance of Thursday’s make-or-break meeting called to address a transition crisis tearing the organisation apart.
All the five officers of the council - Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, Rt Rev Julius Mwamba, John Thiong’o, Canon Peter Karanja (pictured) and Nelson Makanda - have confirmed attendance as have all but one of the council’s six trustees.
The three Central region representatives invited - Julius Karanu, Joseph Kang’utu and Faith Ngithi - have confirmed as have Coast Lawrence Dena, Mary Komora and Harrison Mwero. All Nairobi and Lower Eastern representatives invited have also confirmed.
Bishop Julius Wanyoike, Rev Joel Mwangi and Dawn Gikandi will represent Nairobi while Bishop Joseph Mutungi, Esther Mwendwa, Alex ole Monyere and David Kavati will represent Lower Eastern. A total of 84 delegates have been invited for the Limuru meeting that will also consider amendments to NCCK by-laws as proposed by Karanja.
“In the interest of fellowship, unity and brotherly accountability, we have found it necessary to hold this meeting,” Karanja wrote in a letter obtained by Sunday Standard.
A number of NCCK member churches are leading the rebellion against the June 18, 2019 appointment of Chris Kinyanjui Kamau as the General Secretary-designate to succeed Karanja.
Besides the issue of Kamau, the meeting will consider an amendment to the NCCK by-law whose effect might see Karanja hold on to office until the crisis is over.
“Where the term of the GS expires before the process of appointment of the next successor is completed or the designate is unable to assume office, the incumbent shall hold office until a new person assumes office,” the amendment reads.
In another amendment, Karanja’s deputy cannot apply to become the GS unless he resigns from his office two and a half years before a vacancy is obtained.
“The Deputy GS shall act as the transition officer and shall not be eligible to apply for the vacant position.”
The heads of these churches will have exclusive rights to approve key matters of NCCK including recruitment of GS.
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