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Bishop Charles Muturi of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) , Mt Kenya South Diocese has declined an appointment by Governor Kimani Wamatangi to serve on the Kabete Municipal Board.

In a letter to the Kiambu County Assembly Clerk John Mutie dated April 2nd, the clergyman declined the offer to appear before the Sectoral Committee of Planning and Urbanization for vetting scheduled on April 9th.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Provincial Constitution of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the resolution of the Anglican Church Provincial Synod and after consultation with the Diocesan Chancellor, a Bishop (by ecclesiastical rules) cannot hold public office, “The Bishop, therefore, politely declines the offer to submit his documents or appear before the committee for the hearing (vetting) process,” reads the letter signed by the diocesan administrative secretary Fredrick Gacheru.

However, the Church expressed its gratitude for the “honour and privilege” granted by the Governor through the nomination of Bishop Muturi to the Kabete Municipal Board.

The bishop was scheduled to be vetted by a committee of MCAs on April 9, 2024, at 9 am.

At the same time, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wah has commended Bishop Muturi for declining Wamatangi’s appointment, terming it as an attempt to undermine the integrity of the church and its leadership.

“It is with great admiration that I commend His Grace for his decision to decline the appointment to the Kabete Municipal Board,” he said in a statement.

“While acknowledging the Governor’s recognition of the Bishop’s leadership, it is evident that the appointment was an attempt by the governor to drag the men of cloth into his leadership…or to deflect attention from Kiambu’s governance challenges, particularly concerning the establishment of municipal boards across the county, which comes with the risk of losing substantial funding from the World Bank,” Thang’wah stated.

The Senator urged the Governor to explore the “vast talent pool” within church or elsewhere, to identify a suitable candidate for the role.

“Kiambu is home to a considerable number of unemployed graduates and young professionals who possess the requisite skills and dedication to excel in such positions,” wrote Thang’wah.