The Anglican Military Episcopate, on 30th November 2025, convened a major spiritual service in for the Rift Valley region, drawing Kenya Defence Forces personnel and their families for a day of worship and community strengthening.
Right Reverend Major (Rtd) Samson Gachathi, representing the Archbishop and KDF Bishop in Ordinary Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, led the service hosted by Principal Chaplain Col Rev. Granton Mwanyanya. He was joined by Kenya Army Service Chaplain Col Rev. Gilbert Songok and Kenya Air Force Service Chaplain Col Rev. Charles Okapesi.
Troops from multiple units, including 31 Mechanised Infantry Battalion in Lokichogio, 9 Kenya Rifles, Recruit Training School, 3 Kenya Rifles, 81 Tank Battalion, 5 Kenya Rifles and Kenyatta Barracks, converged for what has become one of the region’s most unifying military church gatherings.
The day opened with the blessing of the new Sunday School Hall at All Saints Church, Kenya Military Academy, followed by the re-consecration of the main sanctuary after recent renovations. Twenty-seven lay readers were commissioned to support ministry across units, particularly in remote outposts where chaplains may not always be available. The service also confirmed catechumens and enrolled members into the Mothers’ Union, Kenya Anglican Men Association (KAMA) and Kenya Anglican Youth Organisation (KAYO).
These rites are central to sustaining the Anglican faith within the military community. Expanding lay ministry strengthens pastoral reach, confirmed believers deepen the Church’s foundation, and family organisations broaden support networks essential for troops navigating deployments, relocations and operational demands. The renewed worship spaces and dedicated children’s hall offer stable spiritual anchors for families.
Preaching on the theme “Commissioned to Serve, committed to God’s Glory,” Bishop Gachathi urged newly commissioned leaders to pursue their calling with diligence, saying, “Commissioning without commitment is empty.”
The service brought together senior officers, including KMA Chief Instructor Brig. John Kipya, Senior Officers, officers, service members and families.
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