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Top clerics and parishioners at the St Stephen’s Cathedral Church in Kisumu are now in a dilemma whether to continue with plans to tile the new church or not after Raila Odinga pledged to undertake the project three months ago.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Raila pledged to undertake the tiling project during the anniversary to mark the death of his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga but three months on, there has not been a single cent sent from him.
The former prime minister pledged to undertake the project on the premise that it was the late Jaramogi’s church.
Contractors have refused to do the work until they are paid in full first. Church members have been waiting for the tiling but all in vain. Church curate Reverend Canon Zephania Kore said the building committee will meet soon to discuss the matter.
Kore who was visibly annoyed told the congregation that funds which were meant for tiling the entire church had been diverted to erecting the guard rails on the balcony of the new church.
The balcony project has cost Sh500, 000 and is now complete. Odinga while making the pledge early this year said workers would descend on the project ‘immediately’.
Section of the incomplete St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church
During the Jaramogi memorial service, his family members gave out Sh200,000 as their contribution. Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o pledged to give 200 bags of cement a pledge he has since honoured.
The church project was initiated by the late Maseno South diocese head John Henry Okullu more than 30 years ago.
Among the dignitaries who have held funds drives towards the construction of the church include the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his brother Ajuma in 1992 where Sh2 million was raised, the late cabinet minister Moses Mudavadi, father of Musalia Mudavadi and former president Daniel Moi including a host of other dignitaries.
Church members have in recent years contributed towards completion of the cathedral. Kore has every Sunday been appealing for funds towards the contribution of the church completion. They have been in cash and kind.
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