This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
June 18, 2020
Christians in the Anglican diocese of Maseno West are demanding a split from their current diocese, citing dishonesty from their bishop. The Christians, including priests and laity, claim that the head of the diocese, Right Reverend John Mark Haung Godia, lied to the public about not receiving an official demand for the creation of the Maseno Central diocese.
According to Rev. Charlton Ochola, chaplain of the Technical University of Kenya, the demand for a new diocese cannot be wished away. He urged the bishop to table the matter before the diocesan synod for deliberation as stipulated in the church constitution.
“The matter must be tabled before the synod where a vote will be taken before the results and recommendations are forwarded to Nairobi for ratification,” said Rev. Ochola.
The Christians have stopped financial remittances to the diocesan headquarters as part of measures to exert pressure on the Bishop to heed to their demand. The committee spearheading calls for creation of a new diocese, led by Archdeacon Paul Okinyo, said that all 22 parishes in the Got Regea arch-deaconry are in support of the initiative.
Okinyo added that their demand for separation was not new, as it was first mooted in the early 1990s. The Anglican diocese of Maseno West has been dogged with controversies since last year when Rt. Rev. Godia was elected to succeed Rt. Rev. Otieno Wasonga.
