Herefordshire vicar to become Kenya bishop

A priest serving in the Diocese of Hereford is to be the next Bishop of Mbeere in Kenya. The Rev Moses Masamba Nthukah is currently working in the Archenfield group of parishes.

The Bishop of Hereford has already congratulated Nthukah on his promotion but is unable to attend the consecration service in Kenya on the 12 October.

"This is marvellous news," said Bishop Anthony Priddis. "It has been a real privilege for us to have you work in this diocese and contribute in the way that you have."

Nthukah has been working in the diocese since 2006 while he completes his doctorate in theology from Lampeter University in Wales. He is a popular member of the local community. His niece was recently married in a very traditional Kenyan wedding at Much Birch Church.

The problems he will face in his new role are very different from Herefordshire.

"Mbeere Diocese is 2 to 3 hours drive north east of Nairobi city and is within an arid and semi arid region of Kenya. The popular challenges facing the church in Mbeere is poverty and frequent droughts and famine, but I believe God will provide strength and opportunities for appropriate interventions," said the new bishop. "Prayers and support for my ministry in Mbeere are welcome."

Nthukah was ordained as a priest in 1994 and worked in several Kenyan parishes before coming to England to study in 1999, achieving a masters degree in pastoral theology before starting his doctorate at Lampeter.

"My family were thrilled when they received the news and are happy to support me in my ministry," added Nthukah. "The short notice of election and consecration dates has put me and family under pressure in making various decisions as we prepare to move to Kenya permanently early next year."

While he will be consecrated as the new bishop in October, he will return to England for his farewell service in Herefordshire. Bishop Priddis will be the preacher at the service on Sunday 30 November at St Weonard's church.