2 PCEA officials jailed for contempt of court
By Zipporah Ngwatu, December 19, 2025A Nairobi High Court has jailed two Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) church officials for three months and one month, respectively, after finding them guilty of contempt of court orders.
The two, Secretary General Rev. Patrick Waihenya and Moderator Rev. Patrick Thegu Mutahi, defied orders that had halted the installation of David Nderitu Ndumo as the church’s Honorary Treasurer.
Lady Justice Stella Mutuku jailed Secretary General Waihenya for three months, with an alternative of paying a Ksh150,000 fine, while Reverend Thegu was jailed for one month, with an alternative of paying a Ksh100,000 fine.
“I hereby find the 1st and 2nd respondents (Waihenya and Thegu) in contempt of this court. The first respondent will serve three months in jail or pay a Ksh150,000 fine, while the second respondent will serve one month in jail or pay a fine of Ksh100,000,” Justice Mutuku ruled.
Further, in her ruling delivered on Friday, December 19, 2025, Judge Mutuku stated that court orders must be respected and that the jailing of the two should serve as a warning to others who might be thinking of defying court orders.
“This court will not take lightly anyone who disregards court orders. A message must be sent to teach those who dare a lesson,” Judge Mutuku stated.
“I must say that a message must be sent to teach those who dare a lesson. Court orders are not optional but mandatory,” Lady Justice Mutuku ruled.
Further, Justice Mutuku noted that the court found both church officials were aware of the existence of the court order but still went ahead and participated in, or presided over, the installation process.
“I am satisfied that the court order issued on April 8, 2024, was disobeyed and that the disobedience was deliberate,” Justice Mutuku ruled.
On April 8, 2024, the court issued orders barring the installation of Ndumo during the PCEA’s 24th General Assembly, which was held on April 9, 2024, at St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, during a service graced by President William Ruto.
The court dismissed claims by the two church officials that they were unaware of the orders.
Notably, the judge stated that video evidence presented in court showed references to the court order being raised during the General Assembly, but the proceedings continued regardless.
“I am persuaded that the respondents proceeded with the installation process while aware that there was a court order restraining that process,” Justice Mutuku added.