St. Anne’s Masaba Legion Maria of African Church Mission in Indangalasia, Matungu Sub-county, on Sunday hosted the Bishop of the Legion Maria Kakamega Diocese, Bishop David Okute, in a colourful ceremony attended by hundreds of faithful from across the diocese.
The bishop is on a tour of churches within the Kakamega Diocese. St. Anne’s Masaba Mission was his latest stop, where he administered confirmation, known as Kipa Imara, reviewed ongoing development work and offered blessings to the church.
Speaking to this writer, Bishop Okute said he has been travelling across the diocese to assess the progress of the churches under his leadership.
“I have been moving around visiting our churches to check on their progress, and I am now concluding with St. Anne’s Masaba Mission today. We have blessed thousands of faithful since the visits began, and it has been encouraging to see how Legion Maria congregations are growing,” he said.
He listed the churches he has visited so far, including Bungasi, Ikhonje, Munami, Shibale, Mukhweya, Malaha, Makunga and Khabondi, before arriving at Masaba in Indangalasia.
Bishop Okute noted that many churches have made significant improvements, including building toilets, drilling water, and upgrading their structures. He commended Mukhweya Church and St. Anne’s Masaba for what he described as exemplary development.
During the visit, the bishop addressed the youth, urging them to be productive during the long holiday season.
“Parents should stay close to their children and monitor their movements so they do not lose them. Youth are the pillar of the church, and we cannot allow them to slip away,” he said.
He added that several church programmes have been introduced to nurture young people and anchor them firmly in the church’s doctrines.
On past divisions within the church, Bishop Okute acknowledged that leadership wrangles had caused issues a few years ago, but said the situation has since stabilised
“Simeo Ondetto and Mama Maria Ondetto, the founders of the Legion Maria Africa Church, left a strong foundation. We are where they left us under our able Pope Rafael Adika,” he said.
He added that the church continues to teach the younger generation to follow the footsteps of the founder.
The bishop also used the platform to criticise the national government, saying the country is headed in the wrong direction, especially in the health and education sectors.
“I humbly ask the president to streamline the education sector, which is facing many challenges. Former President Mwai Kibaki laid a strong foundation for free primary education, and it is painful to see the sector being undermined,” he said.
Addressing the perception that Legion Maria has overly strict rules, Bishop Okute said the guidelines are meant to shape behaviour and are similar to norms in other religious communities.
“Just like in any home, you cannot run it without rules. Removing shoes, modest dressing and avoiding certain behaviours are meant to guide our lifestyle. It is only those who have never been to our church who peddle propaganda,” he said.
“We want God to be seen in every action, not a laissez-faire lifestyle.”
Faithful also had the opportunity to kiss the bishop’s ring, a gesture symbolising renewal of faith.
Bishop Okute announced that a seminary has been established at St. Anne’s Legion Maria Mission and will begin training seminarians next month.
“This is the only seminary we have in the country,” he said.
Rev. Father Samson Wesonga Ochieng praised the leadership of the Legion Maria African Mission, calling it one of the most progressive churches in the country.
“We are one of the powerful churches in Africa, and many people have been blessed through it. I joined this church at the age of 10 and have served in several capacities. Even pastors from other denominations visit for special prayers and later return to their churches. It takes dedication, commitment and faith in the Lord,” he said.
The Legion Maria Church, founded in 1963 by Simeo Ondetto at Got Kweru in Migori County, has grown to more than five million followers across the region. Bishop Okute oversees 22 churches in the Kakamega Diocese, headquartered in Shibale, Mumias.
