Canon Jonathan Kabiru has been elected as the third Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Nairobi Diocese, following the retirement of Bishop Joel Waweru last year. Kabiru, who was confirmed victorious in the first round of voting, is set to take over the leadership of one of the largest dioceses in Kenya at a pivotal time for both the church and the city of Nairobi.
The election process took place at the ACK St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Jogoo Road, where 23 delegates from the Electoral College gathered on Saturday morning. Kabiru’s election was significant, as he triumphed over two other candidates: Joshua Omungo and Dr. Sammy Wainaina. His election was declared by the Chairman of the Electoral College, who also serves as the Diocesan Chancellor.
The church has described Kabiru’s election as timely, given the complex challenges facing Nairobi and the urgent need for moral leadership in the city. The diocese, which oversees the spiritual guidance of thousands of Anglicans in Nairobi, is in need of a leader who can offer direction and compassion in the face of urban struggles such as poverty, inequality, and the social pressures of city life.
ACK leadership has highlighted Kabiru’s integrity and ability to offer moral guidance as key qualities that will help him address these challenges. The church noted that the bishop-elect’s deep spiritual convictions, combined with his commitment to ethical leadership, make him an ideal choice for this critical role.
Nairobi, as Kenya’s bustling capital, faces significant socio-economic challenges, with a rapidly growing population and rising issues such as unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and urban migration. The ACK Nairobi Diocese, under Kabiru’s leadership, is expected to be a beacon of hope for its congregation, as he works to address not just spiritual needs but also the social challenges that affect many of its members.
As Canon Jonathan Kabiru takes on this influential role, the expectations for his leadership are high. His tenure as bishop will likely mark a period of renewal for the ACK Nairobi Diocese, guiding the church through an era of change in both the urban landscape and the spiritual lives of its community.
His election also underscores the importance of strong, visionary leadership within the Anglican Church of Kenya. The church, in its statement, emphasized that Kabiru’s appointment is not just a victory for him personally, but also for the entire diocese, which now looks to him for guidance as it navigates the complexities of modern-day Nairobi.
