Rose Okeno Ordained as First Female Bishop in the History of the ACK Church

Rose Okeno has been ordained as the first-ever female bishop in the history of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).

The 52-year-old took over the leadership of the Butere Diocese on Sunday in a move that paves the way for women to rise into positions of power in the church.

“We will advocate for the rights of girls and children in our communities, the empowerment of women and others disadvantaged in society. We must call out those who use positions of influence, sometimes even within the church, to harm the weak,” Bishop Okeno said in her speech after taking an oath at Butere grounds.

The mother of four previously served the ACK in different capacities for 20 years and replaces Bishop Timothy Wambunya, who resigned in September 2020 after a seven-year reign citing health reasons.

“It is in times like these that we need to have such strong women; women who are ready to save their nation,” Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu said during the consecration ceremony of Bishop Okeno.

The ordination ceremony was attended by several religious and political leaders including ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi among others.