DNK International By Our Correspondent,Kima.
The Church of God in East Africa (Kenya) has continued to chart a path of stability and spiritual growth under the leadership of Archbishop Rt. Rev. James Obunde
Archbishop Obunde is the man who succeeded the late Archbishop Dr. Byrum Makokha after his death in August 2020.
His elevation marked a historic moment as it was the first leadership transition in the church’s history since its founding archbishop took office five decades earlier.
Born on December 5, 1953, in Luanda Sub-county, Vihiga County, Archbishop is married to Rev. Beatrice Mbelesha, with whom he has served in Christian ministry for many years.
In his testimony that was also captured by DNK-International,his theological formation began decades ago before he was ordained into the priesthood in 1977.
Since then, he has served the Church of God in East Africa in numerous pastoral and administrative capacities, earning respect for his humility, discipline and commitment to church service.
Before ascending to the highest office in the church, Obunde served for 14 years as Deputy Archbishop in charge of Administration.
During this period, he became one of the closest advisers to Archbishop Makokha and played a central role in the administration of the church.
Following Makokha’s death, he briefly served as Acting Archbishop before being elected by the church’s Senate and later approved through the church’s constitutional leadership process and his consecration in March 2021.
Since assuming office, Archbishop Obunde has focused on strengthening unity within the church, enhancing administrative efficiency and promoting evangelism.
He has encouraged investment in church-owned institutions and properties to generate sustainable income for ministry and development programmes.
Obunde has also championed theological education, leadership training and stronger partnerships with churches across East Africa through conferences and joint mission initiatives.
One of his greatest achievements has been ensuring a peaceful transition after the passing of the church’s founding archbishop, helping maintain stability within a denomination that boasts more than one million followers, mainly in Kenya but with a presence across East and Central Africa.
Under his stewardship, the church has continued supporting schools, theological institutions, health facilities and community development programmes established over many decades.
Archbishop Obunde is widely recognised for his emphasis on discipleship and the empowerment of African Christians.
During an East Africa Church Leaders Conference in 2023, he described Africa as a “sleeping giant” and urged believers to recognise that “the greatest resource of the church in Africa is her manpower.”
He challenged churches across the continent to rise together in fulfilling the Great Commission, saying, “The church in Africa must arise and shine together if we are to accomplish our mandate.”
Among his memorable remarks is the statement, “The head that wears the crown does not sleep,” a reflection of his belief that leadership requires sacrifice, vigilance and unwavering dedication to God’s work.
His sermons according to members of Church of God and public addresses frequently draw from passages centred on Christian unity, servant leadership, evangelism and the Great Commission, themes that have become hallmarks of his ministry.
They added too that Church of God in East Africa has traditionally maintained cordial working relationship with successive Kenyan governments while preserving its prophetic role on matters affecting society and under Archbishop Obunde, the church continues to engage national and county leaders on issues of peace, education, moral values and development through platforms such as the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), while encouraging believers to pray for leaders and uphold constitutional governance.
Want to be featured? or have a personality want to know about him or her:
📞WhatsApp: ±2540703633820,±254754168624
✉️ Email: dailynewskenya0@gmail.com
🗓️ [DNK-International@August 9,2026]
