Story by Edward Kabasa and Achola Simon
In Rachuonyo North Ward in Homa Bay County, history and faith intersect uniquely at the Amerika SDA Church. Yes, you heard it right, Amerika SDA Church. Built on the land of the late Kenyan freedom fighter Daniel Ojijo Oteko, this church stands as a beacon of legacy and spirituality.
Nestled in the heart of Kanjira, Amerika Seventh-Day Adventist Church is more than a place of worship. It is a symbol of heritage and a tribute to one of Kenya’s unsung heroes, Daniel Ojijo Oteko, whose dreams of greatness inspired its unique name.
“Amerika SDA Church was established as a Sabbath School in 1975. It was initially part of the Nyamila SDA. The Church has grown leaps and bounds over the years,” says Elder Ernest Aseto.
“The name Amerika was inspired by the late freedom fighter Daniel Ojijo Oteko, on whose land the church is located,” adds Aseto.
This church carries a name as bold as the values championed by the late Daniel Ojijo Oteko—’ America.’
“Everyone in Karachuonyo knows Amerika village. If you ask around, you will be led to the home of the late Ojijo Oteko,” says Aseto, the longest-serving church elder.
Oteko’s home earned this nickname because of its orderliness, vision of progress, and pursuit of greatness. A trailblazer in Kenya’s fight for independence, Oteko dreamed of a nation built on justice, equality, and opportunity. He is credited with being one of the founders of African-led civil rights movements on the continent.
“He was one of the founders of the Young Kavirondo Taxpayers Association. He alongside other like-minded colleagues wanted to know how taxes collected by the colonial government were being utilized,” says Kanjira Location Chief Elly Ojijo Obuya, a step-grandson of the late Ojijo Oteko.
Chief Obuya says his grandfather loved education, his country and his community. According to Chief Obuya: “Many including myself have been named after him. You are also aware of Ojijo Road in Nairobi, Ojijo Oteko Road in Kisumu and the Ojijo Oteko Ring Road which is set to be constructed here in West Karachuonyo,”
This community believes that much more can be done to elevate the name of the late freedom fighter.
“Ojijo was loved by all, the young and the old. His home was always full of visitors,” says Elder Ernest Aseto.
“I am appealing to the government to make true the promise to build a mausoleum here complete with a library full of Kenya’s history. This library will help Kenyans recognize the role played by Ojijo Oteko and other freedom fighters in liberating our country, says Chief Obuya.
Today, Amerika SDA Church embodies Daniel Ojijo Oteko’s values and serves as a hub for spiritual growth and community unity. As the congregation gathers in the church every Sabbath, they not only celebrate their faith but also honour a legacy of courage, order, and the dream of a better tomorrow.
