Row deepens in ACK Kapenguria Diocese

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Rt Rev Dr Jackson Ole Sapit. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Wrangles persist at the Kapenguria Diocese of the Anglican Church of Kenya over alleged irregularities and perceived favouritism in the election and selection of its officials.

The dispute has sparked concerns among church members, who say the wrangles have escalated despite a valid court order guiding the governance of the church.

“Despite a valid court order, we continue to see leaders creating divisions in the diocese. They have aligned themselves with external factions, including a group linked to Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, and this has caused animosity among christians. Even in areas like Sigor, the tension is visible,” said Jackson Kakuko, an ACK church elder.

Members allege that local AGM elections were conducted in secrecy, bypassing the annual meetings meant to involve all 26 parishes.

Names of the officials were reportedly forwarded as if elected, a move described by members as “fraudulent and contrary to church procedure.”

“These elections were neither transparent nor legitimate. We were completely sidelined. Decisions were made without our participation, which is against the church constitution and canons,” said Alphina Lokortudo, a church elder.

Officials have also questioned the role of Sapit, urging him to uphold fairness and accountability in church leadership. Teresa Cherotich, a church member, emphasised the need for integrity.

“For years, we have been sidelined while leadership decisions are made secretly,” said John Kwetemoi, another elder.

“This is unfair, ungodly, and contrary to the values of the ACK. Previously, this region was under a suffragan bishop, whose role was to develop the bishopric area and prepare it to become a fully-fledged diocese. After the previous suffragan bishop completed his tenure, the area was ready to function independently. However, complications arose when leaders from Kitale were moved here, causing divisions among the clergy and creating tension within the church,” Onyango said.

“Whenever we tried to bring the opposing groups together, meetings were disrupted. We made attempts, including holding neutral ground meetings in Nairobi with the synagogue and even individual meetings with the clergy, but progress was slow.” 

Despite the challenges, Onyango emphasised that church activities have continued.

“Thanks to the cooperation of some key clergy, we have been able to conduct confirmation ceremonies and other church activities. While some court cases and disputes remain unresolved, we continue to work towards reconciliation. We plan to address any disruptions firmly to ensure peace and order in the church,” he said.

He called on members to embrace reconciliation.

“We continue to provide a platform for dialogue. Those willing to come for reconciliation are welcome. Those who refuse, however, will face consequences to protect the integrity and unity of the church,” Onyango said.