Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Bishop visits Kenyan district, parish

East Africa Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula recently traveled to the South Nyanza District in southwestern Kenya for the installation of the Rev. Kennedy Thomas Mwita as superintendent.

The three-day visit, highlighted by the Jan. 24 installation, was the first by an episcopal leader to the Moheto Parish.

Mwita noted the challenges that face him in his new position but said the most difficult part of his ministry was years ago when he regularly traveled 80 kilometers (about 50 miles), some of it on foot, to serve as pastor of Sori United Methodist Church.

Mwita added that he was surprised at his appointment as superintendent.

“But I will do my best to serve all Christians in the entire district and to restore those who have drifted away,” he said.

Mtwia is a graduate of Africa University, the United Methodist school in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Wandabula, whose office is in Kampala, Uganda, noted his long friendship with Mwita. It dates to when Wandabula was a superintendent in Uganda and chaired the East Africa Conference board of ordained ministry.

The bishop drew on texts in Acts and First Peter in preaching the installation sermon. He noted the role of the elder as shepherd for church members, encouraging and instructing them in the Christian life.   

Wandabula also visited mission sites in the district and met with various leaders to discuss projects for public health, economic development and evangelism.

Another subject during his cabinet meeting was the effort by the Kenyan government to require extensive regulation of religious groups.  

Wandabula believes there’s no need for more government regulation.

“The United Methodist Church has very good structures at the local level and within the connection, which helps in self-regulation, guided by the Book of Discipline,” he said.

Odongo is the district superintendent for the Nairobi District and a communicator in Kenya for the East Africa Conference.

Note: This story as first published incorrectly stated that Bishop Wandabula's visit to the South Nyanza District was the first by an episcopal leader. Moheto Parish received its first such visit, but Wandabula had previously been to other parts of the district. 

News media contact: Sam Hodges or Vicki Brown, Nashville, Tennessee, (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Disaster Relief
Children and adults cross a mud-filled street in Kasaba, Congo, where flooding has killed at least 110 people, including five United Methodists, and destroyed hundreds of homes. A local United Methodist church was destroyed by floodwaters, affecting some 300 United Methodists. Photo courtesy of the Ecclesiastical District of Fizi.

Church members among dead in Congo floods

Five United Methodists killed, a church destroyed, and hundreds of families are affected by flooding in Eastern Congo.
Violence
Hundreds of members of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women march in Gaborone, Botswana, wearing black in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence. The issue dominated conversations at the group’s Southern and East Africa seminar held April 3-6 in the country’s capital. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African women speak against gender violence

Over 600 Methodist women from Southern and East Africa marched in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and those suffering in silence.
Faith Stories
Susie and Ed Keefer pose with Miriam, age 4, in Kinshasa, Congo, in 2013. Shortly afterward, Miriam went home with the Keefers to the United States. The matching outfits were a gift from Dr. Rebecca Yohadi. Photo courtesy of Susie Keefer.

From mission volunteer to adoptive mom

When Susie Keefer traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010, little did she know it would be the first of many mission journeys.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved