End of an era as fiery archbishop exits altar after 50-year service

Incoming Kisumu Archbishop Philip Anyolo presides over a farewell mass at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Homa Bay yesterday. [James Omoro, Standard]

An altar boy who become one of the youngest Catholic priests takes a graceful exit after 50 years of service.

Renowned for his booming voice, thick rimmed spectacles and humour, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, who was ordained at 26, was indubitably the salt of the Kenyan Catholic church who seasoned many a soul. A tough human rights defender, he did not shy away from dabbling in controversial political debates when delivering his sermons. The 76-year-old will be the focus at the lawns of Uzima University College in Kisumu today when he hands over the expansive Kisumu Archdiocese to another veteran, Archbishopdesignate Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, 62,  who arrived in Kisumu in style yesterday evening.