Enter Bishop Joseph Obanyi, exit Philip Sulumeti as Catholic faithful, leaders welcome new shepherd

Pomp and colour marked the ordination and consecration of new Catholic Diocese of Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe by his predecessor, Bishop Philip Sulumeti, at Bukhungu Stadium.

The function was attended by Deputy President William Ruto, representing President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is in Rwanda.

There was drama when Sulumeti barred Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula from addressing the gathering. Bishop Sulumeti, who marked his retirement after 49 years of church service, denied the Senate Minority Leader a chance to ‘greet’ the crowd shortly after the Deputy President had spoken.

Journalists were also asked to move away from the main dais at the beginning of the colourful ceremony presided over by 19 Catholic bishops, including John Cardinal Njue and the Pope’s representative in Kenya, Archbishop Charles David Balvo.

During the otherwise peaceful function witnessed by a crowd estimated at more than 10,000, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, who was asked to give a vote of thanks by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, invited Wetang’ula to speak, angering the Bishop. The cleric said Dr Khalwale had breached protocol at the church event.

Sulumeti appeared displeased that local leaders were turning the ceremony into a political rally.

“Governor Oparanya, we agreed that only two leaders were to speak; you and the Deputy President. Why have you disappointed me, Oparanya? We are here to worship the Lord and not to abuse other leaders.

“You have given me a bad retirement. I have always said that when women are not in power, there will never be sanity in the political leadership in this country. Where are we headed as a country if elected leaders don’t have respect for the church and others?” the bishop said.

Besides this episode, there was song and dance in the stadium decorated in white and yellow, the Vatican colours.

Bishop Obanyi, who is also a Canon lawyer like his predecessor, served as vicar parish priest and diocesan coordinator for the pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Kisii between 1996 and 1999.

In his homily, Sulumeti urged the new bishop to learn the language of his congregation so that he “can smell their smell the same way a shepherd does with his sheep”.

“My brother, Bishop Obanyi, you have been chosen by God. The role of bishop is not one of honour but one of a function. A bishop should strive to serve rather than rule,” Sulumeti, who was the mass celebrant, said.

In the morning hours, traffic came to standstill along the busy Kisumu-Kakamega highway as thousands made their way to Bukhungu Stadium, where the outgoing bishop handed over the instruments of power to Obanyi.

Sulumeti first put a ring on Obanyi’s finger, then a mitre on his head, and handed him a crozier, a symbolic rod to ‘herd the sheep’.

In his speech, the new bishop said: “I humble myself as your servant.”

He promised to uplift the church through unity so that the diocese can achieve its goals. Obanyi told the outgoing bishop that what he (Sulumeti) had done would not be forgotten.

“As you go into retirement, we wish you well and we shall be seeking your guidance always,’’ said the new bishop.

Cardinal Njue congratulated the new bishop and urged the church to continue praying for the country.

“I congratulate the new Kakamega bishop. There will be challenges, but be prayerful as you lead your flock in this spiritual journey,” Njue advised.

Spiritual fathers

Njue also asked political leaders to engage in dialogue with the church on issues affecting citizens.

President Uhuru’s message, relayed by his Deputy, said in part: “I urge the faithful to support and respect Bishop Obanyi as he leads them in servant-ship.

Let us give him space to serve. Bishop Sulumeti has left a good legacy in the education and health sector in Kakamega County. I hope the same cooperation the church granted the outgoing bishop would be channeled to Obanyi.

Ruto, in response to Cardinal Njue’s plea of dialogue, said the Jubilee Government was open to dialogue with all leaders.

“The Government is ready to work with and consult our spiritual fathers in matters that are important to Kenyans. We want to expand our consensus in health and education. We are open and prepared to consult because you are true partners of development,” the DP said.

He further reiterated that the Government is concerned about issues affecting the Western region, and urged leaders from the area to cooperate with the Government, irrespective of their political affiliations

“As a government we are ready and committed to work with all elected and appointed leaders from all political parties in this region. It is upon us to cooperate and fulfill what Kenyans are expecting from us,’’ said Ruto.

Others who attended were former Vice President Moody Awori, Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi, governors John Nyagarama of Nyamira and James Ongwae of Kisii, and deputy governors Phillip Kutima (Kakamega) and Kizito Wangalwa (Busia).

Also present were senators Beatrice Elachi, Daisy Kanainza, MPs Yusuf Chanzu, Emanuel Wangwe, Kabando wa Kabando, Raphael Otalo, Lisumula Anami, John Waluke, Malulu Injendi, Benjamin Washiali, Jonstone Naicca, James Gesami, Jimmy Angwenyi, Richard Onchoka, Charles Gimose and David Were, and former MPs Eugene Wamalwa and Musikari Kombo.

Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution chairman Charles Nyachae and former Kenya Airports Authority chief executive George Muhoho were also present.