Akala sandals, which are made from old motor vehicle tyres, have found their way into a sacred place – the pulpit.

The pair was gifted to a top Anglican cleric in Nyahururu at the weekend.

Hundreds of churchgoers, their families and friends gathered at Christ the King church in Nyahururu, Laikipia county, to witness the installation of a new team to lead the Nyahururu Anglican Church of Kenya diocese under Bishop Samson Gachathi.

They were tickled when the cleric handed a pair of akala sandals to one of their own, Rev John Mwangi Nyenye when he was installed as provost of the church.

The durable, low-maintenance black akala, which can be used under any weather conditions, is popular across many communities in Kenya. In Nyanza, it is called “akala”, while in the Mt Kenya region it is known as “nginyira”. It is also popular among herders.

“This pair of nginyira is a perfect symbol and longtime reminder of the kilometres you will cover visiting the sick in hospitals and families in homes,” said Bishop Gachathi as he handed over the sandals to the new provost.

Meanwhile, the bishop, who was elected in April, has made far-reaching administrative changes, bringing in new blood to help him run the diocese that covers Nyandarua and Laikipia counties.

Samuel Wamae Mwangi was installed at the new vicar general during the elaborate ceremony held Sunday. The ceremony saw the induction, installation and commissioning of three archdeacons, four area deans, and 12 evangelists.

For the first time in the 26-year history of the diocese, the 12 evangelists will be robed. Previously they wore ordinary clothes during official occasions.

In his sermon, cleric Richard Kamau of the Mt Kenya South ACK Diocese reminded those installed in various offices that they were coming in at a time when Kenyans were going through economic hardships.