Standoff as worshippers blocked from an AIC church in Eldoret

Police have been called in to avert chaos at the Kao La Amani AIC church in Eldoret where worshippers have been blocked from attending a Sunday service due to a leadership and financial row.

The church has more than 2,000 members most of whom were shocked to find the doors to the church locked with posters pinned on the doors.

Two factions are fighting over the leadership of the church.

One of the groups who locked the church said they did not want their pastors and officials elected last week to head the local church council.

The recently elected local church council led by Joel Kimisoi were to take over Sunday but could not access the church as it was locked.

“You can talk to our bishop about all issues but we are peaceful and praising God,” said Kimisoi.

Most of the worshippers held prayers in groups outside the church before leaving fearing chaos.

AIC Bishop of Eldoret Luka Maiyo was at the church last Sunday to preside over the local council elections where Kimisoi’s team was re-elected.

A rival function which locked the church however claimed that they had rejected their pastors because of leadership and financial issues.

“Our pastors do not want to work with everyone and for some time now we have not been shown financial accounts for our church,” said a member.

She said they were ready to dialogue over problems at the church which are turning into an embarrassment.

Asked on the phone to comment on the matter, Bishop Maiyo told the Star that he was attending a meeting for mothers at Drys and would call back.

“I am in a meeting for mothers currently but I will call back so that we can talk please,” said Bishop Maiyo.

The Star will give detailed coverage once he makes true his commitment to talk to us about the issue.

Police from Kapsoya station remained in the church monitoring the situation.

The church which is one of the largest in Eldoret stands on land donated by former AIC Church evangelist and elder the late Edward Limo.

Limo who was a close associate of former President the late Daniel Arap Moi also helped build the church located in the Kapsoya area of Eldoret City.