Reverend John Maromba was last week elected the eighth Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya amid legal disputes and internal feuds.
Rev Maromba was elected during the 60th annual conference, after garnering 145 votes flooring his competitors Rev Catherine Mutua (64 votes) and Rev Gitonga Mpara (59 votes).
Also elected are Rev Nicholas Mutwiri as Conference Secretary and David Kaburia as Honorary Treasurer.
Maromba takes over from Retired Bishop Stephen Kanyaru, who took over in acting capacity, following the forceful ouster of Rev Isaiah Deye, in July, barely two years after he was elected.
However, the conference and the election have been vehemently criticized by a section of the church members who term the process illegal.
The new presiding bishop was immediately inducted into office, during the closely guarded conference, in a bid to solidify leadership amid raging disputes.
Rev Maromba has been serving as the Methodist Church Conference Secretary and previously served as the Nairobi Synod.
According to the Laity Fellowship, which has been declared rogue by a section of the leadership, the conference went on despite contestation in court.
“The 60th conference revealed a glaring lack of concern on pertinent issues bedevilling the church such as the deep-seated divisions which need reconciliation and healing. There was no mention of the massive corruption dogging the Church or any mention of grave injustices caused to Christians across the Connexion,” the Laity Fellowship stated.
But in his statement after election, Rev Maromba said he was keen on addressing divisions and strained relationships that are now taking root in the Church.
He said his first duty in office would be pursuing unity, healing and reconciliation.
“We have had moments of deep misunderstanding. These challenges have left some discouraged and others greatly wounded. By accepting this role, I emphasize that I come as a servant of the entire Methodist Church in Kenya, not a faction or grouping,” Rev Maromba said.
He said he would also strive to restore trust that has been greatly eroded by past leadership squabbles in the apex of the Methodist Church.
“We must strengthen the governance and the missionary part of our institutions. I commit to lead with integrity, accountability and transparent stewardship of all church institutions,” the Presiding Bishop said.
He said the church has for long lacked strategic direction.
The election of Rev Maromba has sealed the fate of former Presiding Bishop Deye, who is fighting in court, to have his ouster annulled.
Rev Deye maintains that he was illegally hounded out of office by a group led by former presiding bishops, keen on stalling governance and fiscal reforms in the church.
Rev Deye has filed contempt of court proceedings against former Presiding Bishops Lawi Imathiu and Stephen Kanyaru among others for leading a prayer meeting on July 20, where a resolution to oust him was made.
Also cited in the contempt suit are Synod Bishops Kinoti Anampiu, Douglas Gitonga, Dr. Nicholus Mutwiri, Gerald Kithure, Harrison Mwiti, Leina Motian, Jonathan Koiyeyo, Stephen Mawira, Naftaly Gitonga, and Joshua Ikiao.
The contempt of court suit, in which Rev Deye wants all activities undertaken during and after his ouster declared null and void, is set for mention on December 16.
Bishop Deye’s lawyers have also challenged a consent order entered in a Nairobi court authorizing the church leadership to hold committee meetings and the annual conference amid a court dispute on his ouster.
“The consent states that the term of the office of the Presiding Bishop expired and he was replaced on 24th July, 2025, a statement that is untrue and therefore misleading…The continued existence and implementation of the said consent order gravely prejudice the applicant, by taking away his rights and benefits as an employee of the Church and the right to receive his salary, benefits and emoluments…” Lawyer David Michuki argued.
Two weeks ago, a section of church members under the laity forum protested the convening of the 60th annual conference terming it illegal.
Laity Convention leader Hiram Mucheke said the removal of Bishop Deye has led to loss of trust in the church.
“We are convinced that any attempt to preside over an election of a new presiding bishop under the prevailing situation is illegitimate and will cause more problems. The laity convention calls for the immediate restoration of the Methodist Church in Kenya as a beacon of hope in the country,” Mr Mucheke said.
The leadership wrangles in the Church have also sucked in the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) where a section of members moved to court challenging Rev Kanyaru’s role as Chancellor.
The petitioners Dr Hiram Mucheke, Jacob Mbaabu and Emmanuel Maingi argue that Rev Deye is the duly elected Presiding Bishop.
About seven court cases are ongoing in different locations contesting the removal of Bishop Deye.
