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The new ACK Nyahururu Diocese Bishop, Rt Rev Samson Gachathi has suspended all personal harambees in the See attracting praise from the faithful who felt financially drained by the contributions.

The affected funds drive includes buying vehicles for pastors, collecting money for special church days like Vicars Day, empowerment days for elders and lay readers and inductions for new officials. In a circular issued last week, Bishop Gachathi, who assumed office in a colourful ceremony last month, said he needs more time and consultations to chart the way forward on all personal Harambee drives in the church.

“Any special case (Harambee) should be communicated to the Diocesan Bishop for approval,” reads the circular dated July 2.

The circular addressed to all Diocesan clergy and lay readers is also copied to the Administrative Secretary, all archdeacons, the area dean, all parish vice chairs and all local church executives.

Speaking to the press after presiding over the inaugural men-only Fellowship and Holy Communion service at the Nyahururu Pro[1]Cathedral on Saturday, the Bishop said his reason for suspending the funds drive is to “allow the church to focus more on its core purpose.”

Bishop Gachathi, who quit his KDF employment after clinching the Bishop’s seat in elections held in April said holding of the men-only Fellowship and Holy Communion service was informed by the need to revitalise their presence in the church.

“Men as heads of families are important pillars in the development of the church and cannot be left out,” he said