Deputy President Hon. William Ruto is Received at the 63rd General Assembly by the Chair Rev. Canon Dr. R. Mbogo, General Secretary Rev. Canon P. Karanja & Vice Chair Arch. Dr T. Ndambuki at Kanamai, Kilifi
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Chairperson Rev. Canon Dr. Rosemary Mbogo and her Vice Chair Archbishop Dr. Timothy Ndambuki, have formally retired paving way for their would-be successors, that are expected to be elected later today, by the more than 250 delegates gathered in Kanamai, Kilifi County.
The two Council Officials announced their retirement yesterday, at the ongoing 63rd NCCK General Assembly,that entered the second day today. Both Canon Dr. Mbogo and Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, stepped down having each served two constitutional terms of three years.
In her retirement speech at the triennial event, Rev. Canon Mbogo thanked the delegates for the opportunity.
In her retirement speech at the triennial event, Rev. Canon Mbogo thanked the delegates for giving her the opportunity to serve. She made history in 2013 when she ascended to the position, becoming the first woman chair of the NCCK now marking 106 years.
Canon Dr. Mbogo observed that the milestone legacy made in her tenure, on the support to women leadership had been extremely tremendous. Canon Dr. Mbogo added that the visibility and presence had not just a great impact but also remained a key channel for mentorship.
She was however quick to point out that she still had a number of days and years ahead to interact with the Council, albeit in different categories going forward. “And as such, allow me to simply make a few observations. Conforming to the NCCK Vision and Mission, we have endeavoured to critically remain true in our focus. These include proclaiming Christ from the pulpit and in the market place, a strong governance structure with the ability to attract talent both at the Trustees and the Executive levels and the engagement, devotion, dedication and passion towards the vision is seen both at the Executive and regional participation,” said Canon Mbogo
She added: “These are no mean achievements in the history of the Council. They are milestones that make us stand tall in the history of the Country. I am proud that when that history is finally written and presented to the generations to come, I shall be part of a galaxy of NCCK leadership that made it possible.”
The delegates lauded both Canon Dr. Mbogo and Archbishop Ndambuki for their visionary and outstanding leadership that has seen the NCCK achieve great milestones over the last six years.
“I am happy for the chair to complete the six year and making us believe that leaders can be leaders. Churches should be empowered to intensify promotion of gender in our leadership. I urge the church especially mainstream ones to appoint more women” observed Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya who is also the Council’s Patron.
On his part NCCK’s Trustee Moderator Geofrey Songok appreciated the end of the terms for the two officials, noting that they dedicated their service to the work of the NCCK.
Earlier, the two retirees were feted by the Deputy President William Ruto, who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta at the opening ceremony of the General Assembly.
Archbishop Dr. Timothy Ndambuki receives his gift from the Deputy President upon his retirement at the 63rd General Assembly
Until last evening, the position of chairperson of the NCCK had attracted two aspirants who are expected to be among those who will face-off in today’s elections.
