Kenya West Territory celebrates 10th anniversary in true African style
Kenya West Territory celebrates 10th anniversary in true African style
5 April 2018
Commissioner Rosalie Peddle greets some children during the Kenya West Territory’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Thousands of Salvationists travelled from across The Salvation Army's Kenya West Territory to celebrate the territory’s 10th anniversary and hear from special guests, the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Brian Peddle and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.
The territory is home to more than one in 10 of the international Army’s senior soldiers.
Having been met by territorial leaders at Kisumu International Airport, the Chief of the Staff and the Commissioner (right) were greeted along the road with vibrant singing by a host of Salvationists at Mbale market and again at territorial headquarters in Kakamega.
The next day, the Chief of the Staff dedicated to God the newly constructed quarters for the territorial commander, which was funded by International Headquarters mission support.
At the opening celebration, the Chief of the Staff thanked Salvationists and friends for their faithful service over the past 10 years – since the Kenya Territory was divided into two – and declared great hope in God for the future. With hands raised in prayer, people professed their trust in God’s promises. The celebration also included the raising of an anniversary flag and a cake-cutting ceremony. Hundreds of young people gave colourful performances of gospel dance, drama, and timbrels, and others took part in brass bands. Two deeply moving choir presentations were given by students from Salvation Army schools for the disabled. 
Territorial leaders who served in the past 10 years were acknowledged and, in a video recording, the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Stephen Chepkurui, thanked the pioneers who spearheaded the Kenya West Territory, adding special mention to Commissioner Hezekiel Anzeze (the last commander of the Kenya Territory and first of the neighbouring Kenya East Territory) for his role in the creation of the two territories.
Afternoon rallies provided an opportunity for hundreds of men and women to worship and share in joyful African presentations. During the women’s rally, more than 100 women went forward to the mercy seat in acts of dedication. At a men’s rally, more than 200 men knelt in prayer and commitment (pictured right).
On Sunday, the international visitors saluted thousands of Salvationists who marched through the streets and gathered at Bukhungu Stadium (pictured below) for a holiness meeting.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kakamega County, members of the county assembly, advisory board members, guests from Kenya East Territory and other dignitaries. Hundreds of Salvationists responded to the Chief of the Staff's encouragement that “God invites us into a relationship with him that is marked by holiness.”
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