This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Published on November 22, 2019, a land dispute between Mombasa-based televangelist Wilfred Lai of the Jesus Celebration Centre and church members has escalated into a court battle.
The dispute revolves around a 50-acre parcel of land, with the squatters accusing the church of encroaching on their property, valued at Sh1.2 billion.
According to court documents, the squatters claim that part of the land was not sold to Bishop Lai, and they want the church to surrender the disputed premises.
“We want Bishop Lai to surrender the suit premises that he did not purchase. We want him to also produce documentation indicating who sold the land to him,” said Mr Juma Mwanzunga, a representative of the squatters.
The church, however, maintains that it acquired the land in 1999 and 2003 and has been in continuous physical and legal possession since then.
Church member Justus Kimeu stated in an affidavit that the church has built various facilities worth Sh1.2 billion, including a church with a seating capacity of 30,000, schools, and a farm house.
The church claims that the squatters have invaded and taken over grounds used for night prayers and other social amenities, posing a threat to the security of learners and church members.
