Right Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukhala was Sunday consecrated and enthroned as the fifth primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

The archbishop, formerly of Bungoma diocese was elected on the 24th April this year after He won on a simple majority beating three other contestants.

Dr. Wabukhala succeeds Benjamin Nzimbi, an outspoken critic of the government against corruption.

Attending the ceremony, President Mwai Kibaki reassured Kenyans of the grand coalition government's commitment to implement programmes aimed at making the country a better home for its people.

President Kibaki was speaking at the All Saints Cathedral during the consecration and enthronement of Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala as the 5th Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya

President Kibaki said the government had made formidable milestones in its quest to address diverse problems afflicting its people, efforts which would vigorously be pursued to their logical conclusion.

The Head of State, on that note, urged Church organizations to partner and network with the government and other development minded individuals and institutions to implement programmes that uplift the standards of living in the country.

"Instead of complaining about the various ills in the country, the Church needs to work together with the government in seeking solutions and offer constructive criticism where necessary", said the President.

President Kibaki told religious leaders to be truthful in their deeds and to lead by example, guided by teachings in the Holy Scriptures.

"Be genuine in whatever you do for the country to enable Kenyans to differentiate between Christians and other ordinary people", the Head of State told religious leaders.

On the current food situation, the Head of State said the government was doing everything possible to feed the nation despite the food shortages experienced in various parts of the country.

He, however, advised Kenyans in parts of the country where government relief food had not reached to appreciate the efforts by lodging genuine complaints through the right channels.

With regard to development in the country, the President acknowledged the role played by the Church in extending services to all sectors of the economy.

President Kibaki particularly commended the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) for implementing its mission of spreading the word of God and embarking on programmes aimed at uplifting the social, economic and spiritual status of this country.

He commended the ACK for its support in peace building initiatives, rehabilitation of street and orphaned children, the ongoing famine relief programmes and running of a strong ministry targeting creation of jobs for the youth.

President Kibaki congratulated the new Archbishop on his election as the head of the ACK in the country and expressed confidence that Rev. Dr. Wabukala would steer the Anglican Church to greater heights of development and service to humanity.

The President was optimistic that under the stewardship of the Rev. Wabukala, the bond between the Church and the government would be further strengthened.

On his part, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka commended the Anglican Church for the role it played in praying for peace in neighbouring countries.

The Primate and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese in Nigeria Dr. Peter Akinola delivered the sermon.

Dr. Wabukala, in his address, pledged to consult and partner where necessary for the good of the Church and Kenyans in general.

Archbishop Dr. Wabukala was until his elevation to head the Anglican Church of Kenya the Bishop of Bungoma.

He succeeds former Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi who has retired on attainment of 65 years.

The function was also attended by cabinet ministers Charity Ngilu, Noah Wekesa, Moses Wetangula, Wycliffe Oparanya, several assistant ministers, Members of Parliament and clergy from all over the world among other invited guests.