John Omuse to be enthroned as new bishop of Katakwa ACK diocese
The Diocese of Katakwa Bishop-elect John Okude Omuse. He is sent to be enthroned by Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit on August 28, 2016. PHOTO | LUCAS BARASA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The Rev Omuse will replace Bishop Zakayo Epusi who is retiring.
- The 55-year-old Omuse said his main work after installation would be to unite the Katakwa faithful and spearhead development.
- Rev Omuse started church service as a Sunday school teacher before rising through the ranks to be a priest.
- Former Eldoret ACK Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge, who died in a road accident on August 14, 1990, had been fighting for the creation of Katakwa Diocese.
Rev John Okude Omuse is set to be enthroned as the new bishop of Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Katakwa on August 28, 2016.
Katakwa covers parts of Busia and Bungoma counties.
ACK Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit will preside over the enthronement ceremony.
This will be Rev Ole Sapit's first major event since he ascended to head the church in July.
In an interview with the Nation, the Rev Omuse, who beat two other contenders for the Katakwa bishop's seat in election held in June, thanked Katakwa faithful for having confidence in him.
The Rev Omuse will replace Bishop Zakayo Epusi who is retiring.
The first Katakwa bishop was the late Rev Eliud Okiring.
The See was carved out of Nambale in early 1990s after a long battle that saw some of faithful, led by the late Rev Josiah Okere, camping at All Saints Cathedral and staging a hunger strike.
BISHOP MUGE STRUGGLES
Former Eldoret ACK Bishop Alexander Muge, who died in a road accident on August 14, 1990, had been fighting for the creation of Katakwa Diocese.
The Rev Omuse remembered Bishop Muge, whose demise was commemorated on Sunday, saying his struggle was not in vain.
"If it were not for Bishop Muge, Katakwa would not have been born," the Rev Omuse said of the diocese whose creation followed complaints of discrimination by Iteso community in Nambale.
The 55-year-old Omuse said his main work after installation would be to unite the Katakwa faithful and spearhead development.
The Rev Omuse talked of his humble life in a polygamous family that saw him struggle to complete education and meet other needs.
"Its true God does not leave his people. I never knew one day I will be bishop," he told the Nation.
His election has been well-received by Katakwa residents due to his role in uplifting their lives through the World Vision organisation and church work for years.
Born in Aterait Village in Teso in 1961, the Rev Omuse started church service as a Sunday school teacher before rising through the ranks to be a priest.
He served for 22 years as deacon before being elected bishop.
Married to Grace Nanjala, the Rev Omuse has six children.
