DNK International By Kennedy Epalat,Busia.
Ten petitioners have moved to the High Court in Busia seeking orders to stop the consecration and enthronement of the Bishop-Elect of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Katakwa, Ven. Dr. Vitalis J. Ekuru.
The consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of Katakwa Diocese is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, at the Amagoro Comprehensive School grounds.
The petitioners are Geoffrey Okitwii, James Imudang, Jacob Otte, Sammy Okava and Kelvin Emayot,
Others are Violet Barua, Dan Kura, Levi Barasa, Meshack Oisame and Shalvin Bakira.
The respondents named in the petition include ACK Archbishop His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, Archbishop’s Commissary Charles Ong’njo, Okisai Moffats, who chairs the transition committee, and Ven. Dr. Vitalis J. Ekuru, the Bishop-Elect.
Busia High Court Judge Justice Samuel Mohochi Mukira has certified the application as urgent and set the inter parte hearing for this Thursday (tomorrow) at 09:00 am.
A source within the ACK Katakwa hierarchy who spoke on condition of anonymity said the church is optimistic that the matter will be resolved amicably so that the ceremony can continue as planned.
He said one of the leaders who was opposed to the election of the Bishop elect is now supporting him.
President William Ruto is expected to attend the consecration and enthronement ceremony, which marks a significant milestone in the history of Katakwa Diocese.
LOthers expected at the consecration ceremony include National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetangula.
The diocese attained autonomy in 1991 after it was carved out of Nambale Diocese.
The court petition follows protests that erupted after the June 13 diocesan Bishop election.
Some Christians alleged that the election was rigged and demanded its nullification.
During the protests, demonstrators locked Katakwa Cathedral, the bishop’s vicarage and the main entrance to the church compound.
Speaking during an impromptu harambee for the completion of the Independent Presbyterian Church at Osajai in Malaba North Ward last Sunday, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya confirmed that President Ruto is expected to grace the event.
He urged residents of Teso North to turn out in large numbers to welcome the Head of State.
“The President has invested a lot in Busia County, a feat that calls on us not to forsake him. We should support him and later demand our fair share. We have benefited from infrastructure projects and many other government services. We need to be extra careful while choosing a presidential candidate,” Osiya said.
[DNK-International@July 22,2026]
