This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
January 10, 2020 - A contentious transfer of over 60 priests by Bishop John Godia of the Maseno West Anglican Diocese has left many in the church community reeling. The transfers, which have been met with resistance from some of the affected priests, have sparked allegations of a sinister motive and a witch-hunt.
According to sources, the transfers were made without prior consultation with the priests, leaving many feeling shocked and betrayed. One priest, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed his disappointment, saying, 'Most of the priests who have been transferred supported his opponents. We are shocked by his move to transfer us back to our village parishes. This is not fair at all.'
Bishop Godia, however, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the transfers were made after consultations with a team in the diocese that deals with transfer matters. He noted that there was no policy in the church laws that prohibits a priest from working in their home and village parish.
The transfers come at a time when some priests and lay leaders have been calling for the split of the diocese into two. Bishop Godia replaced Bishop Otieno Wasonga, who retired in September 2019 after serving for over 29 years in the diocese.
Meanwhile, the Labour and Social Protection office in Kisumu has summoned Bishop Godia for a joint conciliation meeting on January 13, 2020, following a complaint from a driver, George Onyango, whose contract was terminated.
