Tensions boiled over in dramatic fashion on Sunday morning as worshippers at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Kayole branch dumped ballast at the church entrance.
The startling protest unfolded just before the main service, as frustrated congregants took matters into their own hands, bringing church activities to a screeching halt.
“We’ve built this church from scratch mabati to brick but now we are being shut out from decisions,” said Francis Mbichi, one of the irate faithful.
“There’s no accountability, no transparency, just constant demands for money and zero explanation on where it goes.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the aggrieved congregants hauled construction ballast and stones onto the church entrance and padlocked the gates, refusing entry to both worshippers and clergy.
Tensions escalated as the faithful accused leaders of overstaying in office, manipulating power structures, and failing to hold elections or financial audits.
“The church has become more corrupt than the country. Every Sunday it’s about money—but where does it go?” another member fumed.
Protesters are now demanding immediate leadership elections, the formation of an interim audit committee, and a full disclosure of church financial records. They have vowed to keep the church shut indefinitely until their grievances are addressed.
As of Sunday evening, the AIPCA leadership had yet to respond officially, but insiders say police have been notified.
