Why diocese is reluctant to let go of new ACK head

• Wabukala who replaces Nzimbi put Bungoma into the national limelight

Although St Crispin’s ACK Church Bungoma Diocese would have loved to see Dr Eliud Wabukala continue serving them as bishop, they nonetheless had to contend with the reality of the departure of a man who has been like a father for 13 years.

But he had to leave, following his election as Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Rev George W. Mechumo, the administrative secretary, ACK Bungoma Diocese, says it was after the arrival of Bishop Wabukala in 1996 that Bungoma earned national recognition.

It was through the bishop’s efforts that Bungoma became a diocese, hived out of Nambale.

As bishop, he trained 89 priests up from just 19, whom he found. He further ordained 51 parishes.

Fifty-six primary schools were set up under his tenure, up from 36. He also helped to establish four secondary schools, making them eight.

Besides, he initiated the Wycliffe Centre for Theology and Mission and Development in Bungoma, an affiliate of St Paul’s Theological College, Limuru.

Eight medical clinics were set up.

“Many of these projects got funding from Peterborough in England, an indicator that the bishop could create links,” said Rev Mechumo, adding that the greatest challenge Bishop Wabukala had to contend with was lack of training among the clergy.

Now Bungoma Diocese has several priests with degrees and diplomas.

“This is no mean achievement for a bishop.” Rev Mechumo added: “But now we have to release him. He has now become the leader of the province.”

Dr Wabukala’s leadership skills were put to the test during the last bungled General Election when President Kibaki called on him to help unite the country.

Namwesi Village

Born in 1951 to Mzee Samson Wamukekhe Wokuti and Mama Rhoda Wamukekhe, in Namwesi Village, Mwalie Location, Bungoma District, Dr Wabukala is the first born in a family of eight — six boys and two girls.

He is married to Ms Karen Wabukala; they have five surviving children after the last born died early this year.

He attended Malakisi ACK Primary School from 1958 to 1961, and then went to Butonge Intermediate from 1962 to 1965 when he sat KAPE exams. He proceeded to Kolanya Secondary School in Teso from 1966 to 1969 where he obtained Division Two.

He then worked as a clerk at the DO’s office in Narok, before he was transferred to Trans Nzoia. He changed his career and became a teacher in 1971.

He joined Kaimosi TTC from 1972 to 1973 where he trained as a P1 teacher. Later in 1974 he was posted to Naifarm Primary School in Kwanza Division.