Church Elders Wrestle Outside Church Over Leadership Changes
Church Elders Wrestle Outside Church Over Leadership Changes
Church Elders Wrestle Outside Church Over Leadership Changes
Following a disagreement, chaos broke out at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kurundas, Nyeri County on Sunday.Following the disruption of the weekly service, which caught the attention of onlookers, the members outside the church were observed physically fighting one another.
According to reports, the whole episode was triggered by a plan to effect changes to the church’s leadership which some members did not agree with leading to the confrontation between two factions.Photos and videos from the church showed the extent of the discord between the elders.
While some of them engaged in physical fights, others watched on, perplexed at the trajectory events had taken within a short period.To highlight the level of discord, some congregation members had been locked outside the church as the service progressed.
The altercations between the church members have elicited mixed reactions amongst Kenyans who questioned why church leaders were setting a bad example, considering that they are expected to demonstrate leadership.
One internet user remarked, “What is this, a church should be a place where tranquility thrives.”Others wondered why no one stepped in and what could have caused the situation to spiral out of control so quickly.
This occurs just a few months after 17-year conflict between several AIPCA groups was resolved through mediation by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Long judicial fights had resulted from the wrangling.Gachagua was successful in mediating a ceasefire between the factions prior to the elections during a meeting that took place in November.
“They have committed that the church will be one, and the issue of factions will come to an end on Friday,” said Gachagua. Notably, this is just one of many disputes over leadership squabbles that have arisen in churches. A church service in Nairobi was disrupted in December by protests from the attendees. The bishop was demanding a Toyota Prado from the congregation, they said, even though the church was having financial difficulties. The congregation urged that the bishop be moved after the incident.