President William Ruto joined national and regional leaders on Sunday, July 20, 2025, for the consecration and installation of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo as the new shepherd of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Machakos Area. The colourful ceremony took place at the AIC Bomani Masaku Service grounds and was presided over by AIC Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa.
Bishop Kalanzo steps into the role following the retirement of long-serving Bishop Philip Muia, marking a significant transition for the church in the region. Alongside Kalanzo, Amos Ndunda was also installed as Assistant Bishop, cementing a new leadership team for the faithful in Machakos and surrounding areas.
The high-profile event attracted notable figures including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, and Members of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) and Vincent Musyoka (Mwala). President Ruto was warmly received by clergy and congregants, underlining the close relationship between the state and faith institutions.
Governor Ndeti, who recently hosted Bishop Kalanzo at her office, praised the church for its continued role in promoting moral values and community development.
“The meeting was a meaningful engagement that underscored the important role spiritual leaders continue to play in shaping and guiding society,” said Ndeti. “It is always a blessing to connect with faith leaders who are committed to the spiritual and social well-being of the people.”
Bishop Kalanzo’s installation was met with joy and hope by the congregants, who expressed optimism about the future of the church under his leadership. Many see the transition as an opportunity to strengthen AIC’s impact in local communities through spiritual nourishment and social outreach.
The ceremony served not only as a celebration of new leadership but also as a reaffirmation of the church’s integral role in promoting unity, values, and progress in the region. With Bishop Kalanzo at the helm, the AIC Machakos Area looks poised for a renewed chapter of growth and influence.
