Land reforms drive enters homestretch after century

By SAMMY JAKAA

He is remembered for leading one the fiercest battles when he fought for cessation of the Iteso from Nambale Diocese because of alleged mistreatment of his community.

The climax of the struggle that took place between 1986 and 1991, was the hunger strike by Katakwa faithful, who camped at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, forcing the then ACK Archbishop, the late Manasses Kuria, to appoint two commissions to resolve the impasse.

After a long struggle, the Diocese of Katakwa was finally carved out of the Diocese of Nambale in 1991, and its first bishop, Okiring, consecrated and enthroned on May 19, that year.

Bishop Eliud Okiring (seated second left) in a family photo. [PHOTOS: COURTESY]

Throughout his fight, he was the ACK archdeacon of Mt Elgon under the then bishop of Nambale, Isaac Namango, who was opposed to the formation of Katakwa Diocese.

Born in 1942, Bishop Eliud Okiring rose through the ranks to become the first Anglican bishop of Katakwa Diocese.

Those who knew the clergy, who succumbed to brain cancer last Thursday at a Nairobi hospital, say they have lost a great man and a leader.

Touched lives

They term him as great a mobiliser, and human rights activist who would not sit and watch others being exploited.

Residents say he was a respected opinion leader and a consultant who sat in various committees in western region.

"The late bishop was a charismatic leader whose advice was highly valued. He was committed to conflict resolution and active in various committees in the district and province. We have indeed lost one of our greatest assets," said Jones Muruga, a resident.

He is said to be among the few men of God who walked the talk. "Teso and Kenya has indeed lost an illustrious son. He was among the few venerated men of God whose every word was replicated in action. He touched the lives of many," says Okoit Lok’ Etyang.

The ACK Archbishop Eliud Wabukala said the death of the retired Bishop was a great blow to the Church and clergy.

Wabukala added that Okiring was a great evangelist and a committed Church leader, who dedicated his entire life in serving God.

During his 12 years as a bishop of Katakwa Diocese, he championed a lot of reforms, especially through peace initiatives that saw the parishes double from 22 in 1991 to the current 44.

The current Bishop of Katakwa Diocese, Reverend Zakayo Epusi, said the retired bishop was an exemplary leader whose efforts led to the creation and rapid growth of Katakwa Diocese.

"We need to keep the family, Diocese, House of Bishops and Christians of the Church in prayer during this trying moment," said Epusi.

Bishop Michael Sande of the Butere Diocese said Bishop Okiring mastered all Luhya dialects in Western, making him a Church leader with such rare quality.

After his retirement in 2006, Bishop Okiring founded Destitute Mother Child Organisation (Demco).

Demco is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping HIV/Aids orphans, widows and vulnerable children and women in Western Province.

It provides food, medicine, clothing and education to over 120 orphans and poor children.

The organisation also empowers widows and poor women by funding sustainable income generating projects for women groups.

Demco’s activities are mainly centered in Teso North and Teso South districts, Mt Elgon, and the larger Bungoma.

Well-knit family

Okiring and his wife, Beatrice, have six children. His first-born son, Douglas Okiring, says the loss cannot be quantified and being the eldest in the family the death of his father has created a challenge to him.

He, however, says Bishop Okiring has left the best-knit family ever. He is determined to build on the legacy that his father has left.

"To us we have lost a brother because we used to refer to each other as ‘ndugu’. It is going to be a great challenge to me as the first-born. However, we will build on the legacy," he adds.

The late bishop will be buried on March 10, at St Mark, Hoito ACK, church compound in Mt Elgon District.

There will be a service at All Saints Cathedral Nairobi on March 7. The body will then be flown from Wilson Airport the following day to Bungoma airstrip and later to Katakwa Cathedral.