A normally serene Sunday service at the Kiamwathi Presbyterian Church Of East Africa (PCEA) in Nyeri Town constituency took a dramatic turn on as an organized group of irate Gen Z youths disrupted proceedings in a bold protest against the church’s leadership.
The group, predominantly composed of young worshippers, arrived early at the church premises on Sunday, August 18, 2024, locking the gates and preventing other congregants from entering.
Their outrage was sparked by what they claimed were unjust actions by the church elders, who they said were attempting to dismiss Reverend Lucy Kiriungi without cause.
Carrying placards that clearly communicated their demands, the youth made their intentions known.
One sign declared, “We are not cooling down until our reverend Lucy comes back,” while another warned, “Youth #Occupy church. We need a clean church. No Rev, no peace, no church.”
Speaking to the media from inside the church premises, one of the protesters, who identified himself as Edwin, expressed the group’s frustration and resolve.
“Jina ni Edwin. Tumesema no reverend no service. Tumekataa hii mambo ya kufukuza mchungaji for no reason,” he said, translating to, “My name is Edwin. We’ve said no reverend, no service. We refuse this matter of dismissing the pastor for no reason.”
As the protest grew, Edwin continued, articulating the group’s broader concerns.
“Kama wana youth wa Nyeri joint parish tumeamua tutafanya maandamano, peaceful demonstrations tuzuie service kuanza so that they take us seriously. Hakuna mambo ya kuketi kuongea,” he stated, emphasizing their decision to stage peaceful demonstrations to ensure the church leadership understands their seriousness.
“Sahi wanataka kutufukuzia mchungaji amekua akifanya kazi na wanatumia njia hazifai, wametengeneza stories za kumuharibia jina ati hafanyi kazi yake,” he added, accusing the elders of fabricating stories to tarnish Reverend Kiriungi’s reputation.
Another protester, a young lady, echoed Edwin’s sentiments, expressing her dismay at the ongoing situation.
“Kenye kinaendelea hapa ni mambo mawili matatu ambayo imekua ikiendelea kwa kanisa yetu na ambayo haitupenzi kabisa,” she said.
She further explained that the church belongs to everyone and that the reverend had committed no wrongdoing, but was being targeted by those with personal interests.
“Kanisa ni yetu sisi wote na mchungaji wetu hakuna makosa ako nayo ila tu kusupport na kufanya what is right. Lakini kuna wenye wako na interests zao wenyewe na wanataka kumfurusha yeye aende ndo wao wabenefit na hatutakubali hio sisi,” she said.
Similar drama in Eldoret
The upheaval at Kiamwathi PCEA was not an isolated incident.
A similar scenario unfolded at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Kao La Amani Church in Eldoret, where congregants were also met with locked doors as they arrived for Sunday service.
The clash stemmed from a leadership and financial dispute within the church, leading one faction to prevent the other from accessing the building.
Joel Kimisoi, the leader of the newly elected local church council, found himself barred from taking over, as rival factions accused the church leadership of failing to address financial transparency issues.
“You can talk to our bishop about all issues but we are peaceful and praising God,” Kimisoi remarked, while other worshippers resorted to holding prayers outside the locked church doors.
As the dust settles on these dramatic events, the underlying tensions within these religious communities remain unresolved, reflecting a broader struggle between tradition and the changing dynamics of modern church leadership.
