Odede takes over from Oginde as Citam bishop

Outgoing Christ is the Answer Ministries (Citam) Presiding Bishop David Oginde. [File, Standard]

Calisto Odede has been picked to take over the leadership of Christ is the Answer Ministry (Citam) from David Oginde.

The Reverend Oginde, an outspoken cleric, took over the leadership in 2010, succeeding Bishop Boniface Adoyo, and is expected to officially hand over leadership to the Reverend Odede in June.

An announcement by the church read: “Rev Calisto Odede is the Citam bishop- designate after going through a successful selection process. Rev Odede served Citam ministry for a long time in various capacities.”

The presiding bishop designate emerged top among three nominees for the position that involved a rigorous process. Others nominated for the position were Ken Isige, who presides over Citam Thika Road, and Charles Obara, who heads Citam Karen.

Odede will be presented for ratification to the Annual Delegates Conference on April 25, after which he is expected to be consecrated as bishop on June 6. While this is considered a formality, the conference can approve or reject the nomination.

Having served in the church, Odede becomes the fourth presiding bishop. He will be in charge of 30,000 congregants and 25 churches – including two in diaspora. He is a graduate of Kenyatta University, Trinity International University, USA, and Bethany International University, Singapore.