Rose Okeno becomes first female bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya
Bishop Rose Okeno has gone down in history books as the first female bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK). Bishop Okeno was consecrated on Sunday in an event that was presided over by the ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit at Butere girls grounds in Butere.
“She is now the Right Rev Rose Okeno. I congratulate her for rising above cultural norms and her courage that saw her battle it out with men for this position and make history as the first woman ACK bishop,” Ole Sapit said.
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Okeno will be in charge of the Butere diocese replacing Bishop Timothy Wambunya, who resigned last year following health concerns.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bishop Okeno promised to advocate for the rights of girls and to empower women and marginalised groups in society.
“We must call out those who use positions of influence, sometimes even within the church, to harm the weak,” she said.
During the event Archbishop, Ole Sapit barred top political leaders from speaking saying that political leaders have violated the sacred nature of the alter.
“In the church, Everybody is welcome, but we have the pews and the pulpit. The pulpit is for the clergy and the pews are for everybody who came to worship,” Said Ole Sapit.
Political leaders at the event included Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Governors and Members of Parliament.
Featured Image: Citizen TV
