Turn The Other Cheek…Violence Erupts Over Church Leadership

NAIROBI,Kenya,Dec, 4 – Two rival church groups were involved in an altercation Friday amidst leadership wrangles at the Lavington Methodist church.

The often quite neigbourhood where the church is domiciled is said to have been turned into a battle field temporarily with each faction claiming control of the church.

Police said one group led by the incoming bishop Rev Dr Joseph Kanyamu accompanied by over 60 congregants, forcefully gained entry into the church’s office by breaking its glass doors, in a bid to eject bishop Joseph Ntombura whose term had expired.

In the ensuing melee, the church guard who was overwhelmed by the faithful-turned goons, alerted police officers based at Kileleshwa police station who responded immediately.

Upon arrival, the contingent led by the sub county police commander and the DCIO managed to contain the situation. However, two of Rev Kanyamu’s men were found to be armed with glock semi automatic pistols, loaded with a total of 29 rounds of ammunition, 9mm callibre.

The two armed men Kisito Matete, 43, and Peter Murasi, 36, were disarmed, arrested and escorted to Kilimani police station where they’re currently being held.

Meanwhile the house of worship remains under 24-hour police surveillance, until the standoff between the two rival factions is addressed.

The group led by the outgoing head of the church was Saturday set to address the media over the drama.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the church.