This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On August 29, 2019, a tense meeting at the Limuru Conference and Country Home ended with a consensus on the appointment of General Secretary-designate Chris Kinyanjui, but not without controversy. The decision to drop contentious amendments to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) by-laws was made at the last minute, saving the day for the umbrella organisation of Kenyan churches.
However, the decision has left lingering doubts on the unity of the council. The meeting, chaired by Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit in the absence of NCCK Chairman Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, was attended by members who had opposed the process through which Kinyanjui was recruited.
As a condition to agree to the appointment of Kinyanjui, members demanded the formation of an oversight committee to check his office. The executive committee, guided by John 17:10-19, recognised that the council has for more than 100 years worked to reconcile Kenyans, and has a commitment to being the hope, conscience and light of the nation.
According to a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the executive committee listened keenly to the issues raised by members who had concerns regarding the recruitment of the general secretary. The issues were then intensively discussed, clarifications provided and consensus reached on each item.
Despite the controversy, the committee was satisfied that NCCK by-laws were followed in the recruitment of Kinyanjui and proceeded to endorse his appointment. He will assume office on October 1.
