This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 11, 2019, a church in Langalanga, Nakuru, witnessed a heated election that saw a church leader's bid for leadership thwarted due to his smoking habit.
According to reports, the church leader was a chain smoker who had been trying to quit but failed. His efforts to overcome the habit were seen as a positive step, but ultimately, it was his smoking that led to his downfall.
"Wavutaji sigara au walevi hawafai kupewa wadhifa wowote kanisani. Kwanza unastahili kuwa mweupe kama pamba moyoni, halafu uende kutubu," said the church's pastor.
The church's decision was seen as a bold move, with some members praising the pastor for taking a stand against smoking in the church. Others, however, felt that the decision was too harsh and that the church leader should have been given a chance to overcome his habit.