This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Churches are meant to be places of refuge and solace, but in Nairobi, they have become battlegrounds. The latest incidents of church fights have left many wondering if the institutions are losing their way.
On July 22nd, a shocking fist fight broke out at the SDA church, leaving hundreds of congregants stunned. The fight allegedly started over a meeting to discuss a group seeking separation from the church.
But the SDA church incident was not an isolated case. On Sunday, members of the PCEA Church in Thome clashed over funds meant for a church retreat event. According to an anonymous church member, 'unrest emerged after some church officials could not set the record straight over the funds that had been contributed by members.'
Church of God In Dandora has also been experiencing wrangles over money contributed in Harambees for the construction of churches. Some aggrieved members of Ghetto Radio News claim that COG's main church in Bunyore Vihiga County is insisting on collecting the money meant for church construction and not helping the church in any way.
As the church disputes continue to escalate, many are calling for peaceful resolution. Moses Onguko, a leader at the Church of God, has advised aggrieved church members to leave the church if they feel their practices are against their beliefs. 'If you feel that your church practices are against your beliefs you have the right to leave and go to another church because the bible says that the church is the house of God and in God's house there is Safety, Peace and Love,' he said.
