Pastor in sex, abortion scandals sent packing by church

By Kintu Joseph

A preacher ministering at the Makutano African Inland Church (AIC) in West Pokot has been excommunicated over alleged sexual offences.

Pastor Samuel Maina Ndung’u is accused of sexually abusing and impregnating an 18-year-old girl, who was under his care.

The girl comes from a humble background, and the preacher had offered to live with her and also finance her education.

The teenager is a Form Four student at a school in Trans-Nzoia County.

During the school holidays, she stays with Pastor Ndung’u and his family at their Kapenguria home.

It was only recently, when the girl told her mother that Ndung’u had developed a habit of abusing her sexually.

The victim’s mother said she confirmed that the pastor was responsible for her daughter’s pregnancy when she met Pastor Ndung’u’s wife taking the teenager to hospital to procure abortion.

“The pastor’s wife is aware of what her husband did to my daughter because I recently met her taking the girl to hospital. It was only later that I learnt that the purpose of that trip was to ensure my daughter procured abortion. I have also learnt that Pastor Ndung’u paid for the illegal exercise. My daughter told me everything,” said the girl’s mother.

West Pokot AIC Bishop, David Keston, says they decided to dismiss Pastor Ndung’u because his alleged actions contravened the values that the Church subscribes to.

Bishop Keston urged Ndung’u to surrender, within seven days, the church’s property and documents which are in his possession.

Last Sunday, Ndung’u allegedly locked the church’s door and disappeared with the key, forcing worshippers to hold their weekly fellowship outside the premises.

“His (Ndung’us) actions are an expression of guilt. We won’t tolerate such wayward behaviours in our church. What he (allegedly) did, was inhumane and embarrassing. Ndung’u should face legal action,” said Keston.

The girl’s mother said she had filed a report at Kapenguria Police Station, and that she is hopeful the DCI will take up the matter.

Ndung’u, however, has dismissed the sexual abuse allegations leveled against him, saying Bishop Keston, “who doesn’t like me, has escalated our rivalry”.

“The bishop has been fighting me since 2010. I am the one who took care of him, and now he doesn’t want members of other ethnic communities, besides the Pokot, to rise in the ranks of the church,” said Ndung’u.

“Look, I have three other girls that I am sponsoring. Why is it that none of the other three girls has come up with such accusations against me?” posed the banished preacher.

Police say they are investigating the sexual abuse allegations against Ndung’u.