Thousands of Christians and friends thronged the streets of Bungoma to welcome the Anglican Archbishop-elect Eliud Wabukala.

Dr Wabukala, elected on Friday takes over the church leadership from archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi who retires in June this year.

Dr Eliud Wabukala trounced three other contestants including Joseph Wasonga of Maseno West diocese, Samson Mwaluda of Taita Taveta diocese and Stephen Kewasis of Kitale diocese to become the fifth ACK Archbishop of the second largest Christian denomination in Kenya.

He won on a simple majority, after they all failed to garner the mandatory two thirds of the votes in a ceremony that lasted for over five hours at the All Saints Cathedral.

In his acceptance speech Wabukala urged political leaders to put aside divisive politics and work towards developmental issues that will benefit all Kenyans.

The new archbishop will formally assume leadership of the church upon being consecrated at the All Saints Cathedral on July5 , six days after Nzimbi officially retires, having attained 65 years of age.

He is expected to serve up to 2016 when he will attain the age of 65. Dr Wabukala has served as bishop for the last 13 years.