Kisumu, Kenya – A recent court order has paused the consecration and enthronement of the Rev. Bernard Otieno Owuor as the second bishop of the Diocese of Maseno East within the Anglican Church of Kenya. This injunction, issued on December 18 by Deputy Registrar Gloria Baraza of the Kisumu High Court, temporarily halts all proceedings related to Bishop-elect Owuor’s ascension to the episcopal office.
The legal challenge was initiated by the Rev. Gordon Opiyo, who raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the election process that took place following the retirement of Bishop Rt. Rev. Joshua Owiti on July 15. Owiti retired upon reaching the age of 65, triggering the need for a successor.
Rev. Opiyo’s allegations focus primarily on procedural missteps. He claims that the constitutional timelines set by the church for such elections were not adhered to and asserts that he was wrongfully denied participation in an interview scheduled for November 2, which was part of the selection process. Furthermore, the communication from the Diocesan Chancellor about the vacancy, according to Opiyo, violated some of the church’s regulations.
These events culminated in the election of Bishop-elect Owuor by the Kenyan House of Bishops on November 30. Owuor, a Ugandan national, was chosen in a move that has since been contested in the court of law.
The court has responded to these allegations by asking the involved parties, including the Anglican Church of Kenya and its current Primate, the Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, to submit their responses to the petition lodged by Rev. Opiyo.
In the meantime, the judicial body has granted Rev. Opiyo the right to file a supplementary affidavit to bolster his case, indicating that the judicial review will delve deeper into the electoral process of the church’s leadership transition.
This legal dispute highlights the complex interplay between church law and civil oversight, underscoring the governance challenges within religious institutions. It also poses significant questions about leadership succession, transparency, and the rule of law in religious electoral processes.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Episcopal leadership crisis in the Diocese of Maseno East will be resolved and what implications this might have for the broader Anglican community in Kenya.
The story continues to develop, and further details are expected as both parties prepare to present more comprehensive arguments regarding the procedural legitimacy of the Episcopal election.
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