Nairobi
Bishop Benjamin Nzimbi, who was consecrated as the new head of the Anglican church in Kenya in September, is socially conservative and known to be opposed to homosexuality and abortion.
Formerly bishop of Kitui diocese in eastern Kenya and dean of the Anglican Church, Bishop Nzimbi, unlike his predecessor, Archbishop David Gitari, 65, does not have a reputation for being politically outspoken.
The 58-year-old bishop was elected archbishop in August, defeating Bishop Joseph Otieno Wasonga of the diocese of Maseno West in western Kenya in an election at Nairobi?s All Saints Cathedral.
After his election Bishop Nzimbi told ENI ?any new ideas should be theologically sound. We want the church to be the church.? Like Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi-Nkoyoyo of the Anglican church in neighbouring Uganda, Archbishop Nzimbi is vehemently opposed to homosexuality and abortion.
?My leadership will follow the authority of the scriptures,? he said in an interview.
The new archbishop becomes the fourth head of the Anglican Church of Kenya and will be enthroned when Archbishiop Gitari formally retires next month.
Married with five children, Bishop Nzimbi was first ordained in 1985 as Bishop of Machakos, before moving to Kitui.