Webuye friends Church

Our History

Welcome to Webuye Friends Church

Webuye Friends Church is one of the active Monthly Meetings within the Sipala Quarterly Meeting, under the East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends North (Quakers). Our church is dedicated to guiding people along their spiritual journey through Christianity, with a focus on cultural relevance and the use of modern media to communicate our message. We believe everyone has a role in growing their faith, and we are committed to helping each person discover their spiritual path.

The Rich History of Webuye Friends Church

The history of Webuye Friends Church is deeply rooted in the Quaker movement, which began in the 17th century under the leadership of George Fox. Between 1624 and 1652, Fox felt called to lead people from spiritual darkness into the light of Jesus Christ. His teachings laid the foundation for what would become Quakerism, spreading far and wide, including to Africa.

On April 23, 1902, three Quaker missionaries—Willis R. Hotchkiss, Arthur Chilson, and Edgar T. Hole—set sail from New York to England. They arrived in Kenya on June 24, 1902, at Mombasa, and soon after made their way to Kaimosi, in Western Kenya. Kaimosi, located about 30 kilometers west of Kisumu, became the center of Quakerism in Kenya and the surrounding regions.

Early African Converts and the Spread of Quakerism in Kenya

The spread of Quakerism in Kenya was accelerated by early African converts, who were trained to help with evangelism. Some of these key figures were:

  • Daudi Lung’aho
  • Maria Maraga
  • Akhonya
  • Mango from Malava
  • Peter Wanyama from Lugulu
  • Joseph Ngaira from Idakho
  • Yohana Amugune from Chavakali
  • Andrea Agufana from Vihiga
  • Yohana Lumwaji from Lirhanda
  • Joel Litu from Mbale

These early converts were instrumental in spreading the Quaker message, teaching the Word of God, and contributing to both spiritual and formal education in Western Kenya.

Formation of the East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers)

On November 13, 1946, a day celebrated as the “Great Day” in African Quaker history, the East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) was founded in Lugulu. This meeting brought together Friends from across East Africa for a thanksgiving worship service, and the following leaders were chosen to guide the newly formed yearly meeting:

  1. Presiding Clerk – Joel Litu
  2. Vice Presiding Clerk – Yohana Lumwaji
  3. Recording Clerk – Benjamin Ngaira
  4. Reading Clerk – Thomas G. Lung’aho
  5. Treasurer – Jacob Osalika
  6. Trustee – Peter Wanyama

Establishment of Webuye Friends Church

Webuye Friends Church was officially founded in 1925 under the East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers), before the creation of the Elgon Religious Society of Friends in 1974. In 1988, Webuye Friends Church became part of the newly formed East Africa Yearly Meeting of Friends North (Quakers) within Lukusi Quarterly Meeting and Sipala Monthly Meeting.

The original founder members who helped establish Webuye Friends Church in 1925 were:

  1. Presiding Clerk – Sila Lusaka (carried out multiple duties like pastoring, treasurer, and recording)
  2. First Catechist (Mwalimu wa Dini) in 1925 – Paulo Wafula Namanda
  3. Second Catechist (Mwalimu wa Dini) in 1926 – Stephen Wakhungu

Other early members and learners of Webuye Church included:

  • Saulo Micha
  • Matayo Kisaka
  • Tomas Wefwafa
  • Ezekiel Watakila
  • Dina Namaemba
  • Erasto Wambeye
  • Enock
  • Rodah Watakila
  • Solomon Khaemba
  • Leah Wanyonyi
  • Mikisi Buyali
  • Natembeya Mikisi
  • Retired Chief Amutala Mayeku

By 1973, under the leadership of Ezekiel Watakila, a cell group from Malaha moved to Webuye, eventually forming a sub-village meeting in 1977. In 1978, Webuye became an official village meeting under the leadership of Eliud Machi.

Significant Contributions and Developments

In 1990, Ezekiel Watakila donated a portion of his land to Webuye Friends Church, helping secure its future. This land tithe helped the church process a title deed, and members worked together to build a permanent church structure. Key contributions in kind were made by:

  • Mark Mukhweso
  • George Malumasi (donated window shutters)
  • Solomon Wangwe (provided timber and poles for the roof)

Other Quaker monthly meetings like Mihuu, Lukusi, Ndivisi, Milo, and Makemo contributed funds, allowing the church to be completed at a cost of Ksh 315,000.

Formation of Good Shepherd (Sunrise) Village Meeting

In recognition of the growing membership, a sister village meeting known as Good Shepherd Village Meeting (now Sunrise Village Meeting) was established. Its founding members included:

  1. Prescila Burare
  2. George Malumasi
  3. Ben Mukwanja
  4. Emily Mukwanja
  5. Molly Ketoyo
  6. Laban Onziru
  7. Marble Onziru
  8. John Muchende
  9. Gladys Muchende
  10. Ligare Aburili
  11. Getrude Wekesa

Initially, the group consisted of 11 adults and 32 children.

Birth of Webuye Monthly Meeting

After growing in numbers and influence, Webuye Friends Church was recognized as a Monthly Meeting on February 27, 2000, with the following leaders:

  1. Presiding Clerk – Eliud Machi
  2. Vice Presiding Clerk – Seth Nyabera
  3. Recording Clerk – Ben Mukwanja
  4. Reading Clerk – Agrey Nakhisa
  5. Treasurer – Joyce Lusenaka
  6. Pastor – Jacob George Makokha

Leadership Through the Years

Since 1925, Webuye Friends Church has been led by dedicated leaders who have served in various capacities. Here is a record of past leadership:

1925–1973

  • Presiding Clerk: Sila Lusaka
  • 1st Catechist: Paulo Wafula Namanda
  • 2nd Catechist: Stephen Wakhungu

1973–2000

  • Presiding Clerk: Ezekiel Watakila
  • Pastor: Jacob George Makokha
  • USFW Leaders: Mrs. Tamara Khaemba (1978–1982), Mrs. Marita Simiyu (1982–1987)

Other key leaders in this period include:

  • Treasurer: Mrs. Salome Makokha (1992–1995)
  • YFP Leaders: Geoffrey Nyongesa (1993–1995)

2000–2021
The leadership continued with individuals like:

  • Presiding Clerks: Seth Nyabera, Richard Kituyi, Stanley Ndombi, Emily Mukwanja, and currently Wycliffe Wanyonyi
  • Pastors: William Wambasi, Evans Wamukota, John Apiya, and currently Absolom Lumbasi

Current Leadership and Vision

As of 2024, Webuye Friends Church is led by Presiding Clerk Wycliffe Wanyonyi, Pastor Absolom Lumbasi, and an active committee committed to the church’s growth and the spiritual nourishment of its members. Our church remains a beacon of hope, faith, and service, focused on spreading the message of Christ in the modern world while honoring our rich history anchored in our Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.