The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized a new Church District, similar to a diocese, in Makueni County on Sunday 12 of October 2014. The new District located in Kilungu Hills, contains five congregations of Kilili, Kyambeke, Matini, Ilima and a newly created Branch of Kalongo. This development brings to total three Districts organized in Kenya with one Stake (a larger Diocese) also adding to the total membership in Kenya. In total, there are over 45 congregations in the country.
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The formation of Kilungu District was presided over by President Gary C. Hicken, the Mission President for Kenya and Tanzania. Onesmus Kaunange was called as President of this new District. He was formerly the Branch President for Kyambeke Branch. The District has a total membership of around 1000. Approximately 600 members were in attendance at the conference meeting. There are now two Districts in Makueni County, with the second located in Chyulu District.
To help President Onesmus Kaunange shepherd this new District, Brother Fredrick Kaseve was called as his 1st Counselor, and Brother Joshua Ndolo as 2nd Counselor. All three of these men have had extensive experience working with Church members in the Kilungu Hills area, serving in various leadership positions in their congregations. President Onesmus Kaunange also served a full-time mission for the LDS Church and was assigned to Johannesburg South Africa Mission in the years 2003 and 2005.
President Gary C. Hicken counseled the members who attended the formation of this District to increase their faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. He said this new District will bless families. President Balilemwa and President Chirchir, who assist President Gary C. Hicken in his work, were also present at the conference.