Bishop Charles Muturi of the Anglican Church of Kenya has set a precedent by rejecting a plum job offer.
Bishop Muturi was nominated by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to sit at the Kabete Municipal Board, citing conflict of interest.
In a letter addressed to the Kiambu County Government, the bishop explained that he could not accept the offer per the priestly rules which dictate that a sitting bishop cannot hold a public office.
“That pursuant to the provisions of the Provincial Constitution of the Anglican Church of Kenya; the Resolutions of the Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Synods and after consultation with the Diocesan Chancellor; a sitting Bishop cannot (by ecclesiastical rules) hold a public office,” the statement read in part.
“That due to the aforementioned rationale under Number 2 above, the Bishop politely declines the offer to submit his documents or appeal before the Sectoral Committee of Planning and Urbanization for the hearing (vetting) process which is due on April 9, 2024, at 9:00 am at the County Assembly Buildings.”
The bishop was scheduled to be vetted by a committee of MCAs on April 9, 2024, at 9. However, he turned down the offer but applauded Governor Wamatangi for recognition.
This rejected job offer was made public by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa. The senator capitalised on the job offer declined to castigate the Governor. He accused the Governor of trying to use the men of cloth to sanitise his record.
“I urge the Governor’s office to explore the vast talent pool within the church community or elsewhere to identify another suitable candidate for the role. Kiambu County is home to a considerable number of unemployed graduates and young professionals who possess the requisite skills and dedication to excel in such positions,” the senator stated.
“Once again, I extend my gratitude to Bishop Muturi and the church for their principled stance in declining the Governor’s appointment, averting what could have been an attempt to undermine the integrity of the church and its leadership.”
