The Methodist Church in Kenya has elected Rev John Maromba as its new Presiding Bishop, marking a significant shift for a denomination grappling with internal division and legal disputes.
Rev Maromba secured 145 votes, defeating fellow contenders Rev Catherine Mutua and Rev Gitonga Mpara in an election held on Tuesday.
Rev Maromba, who has been serving as the Conference Secretary and previously as Bishop of the Nairobi Synod, now assumes leadership at a moment of heightened tension within the Church. His election is expected to set the tone for what insiders describe as an urgent campaign to restore unity, credibility and administrative order.
The new Presiding Bishop takes over a deeply fractured institution.
FACTIONS
In July, the Church was thrust into turmoil following the highly contested ouster of then Presiding Bishop Isaya Deye, a move that triggered a series of court battles, rival factions and accusations of procedural impropriety. The dispute exposed longstanding grievances over governance structures, regional representation and the balance of power between the Conference and Synod leaderships. Attempts at mediation repeatedly faltered, leaving the Church’s top organs paralysed for months and congregations divided across several synods.
In his first remarks after the vote, Rev Maromba was described by colleagues as a consensus-builder expected to champion reconciliation. Senior clergy say his experience in administrative roles positions him to steer delicate negotiations aimed at stabilising the Church and re-establishing confidence among members and clergy.
A formal handover process is expected to begin immediately as the Church moves to consolidate leadership and address pending litigation.
Observers say Bishop Maromba’s first months in office will be critical, with pressure mounting for swift reforms, renewed financial discipline and a clear roadmap to healing the divisions that have threatened the unity of one of Kenya’s oldest Protestant denominations.
