Episcopal Press and News

Kenya elects Eliud W. Wabukala as primate

Episcopal News Service. April 27, 2009 [042709-01]

Matthew Davies

The Anglican Church of Kenya has elected Bishop Eliud W. Wabukala of the Diocese of Bungoma as its next primate, or national bishop.

Wabukala, 58, will succeed Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, who has served as primate since 2003 and will retire on June 30.

Wabukala was elected April 24 at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi out of a field of four nominees. The other three candidates were bishops Stephen Kewasis of Kitale, Samson Mwaluda of Taita Taveta, and Joseph Wasonga of Maseno West.

The Archbishop-elect will be enthroned on Sunday, July 5 at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi.

Wabukala was consecrated in October 1996 as the first bishop of Bungoma, where he has served for the last 13 years.

In his acceptance speech, according to The Standard newspaper, Wabukala said, "I will continue from where my predecessor left ... I call for reconciliation and harmony in all dioceses."

Wabukala is married to Karen. They have five grown children.