The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Kitengela has promised to challenge a High Court verdict ordering its members to vacate a two-acre church structure worth Ksh650 million.
Reverend Thegu Mutahi stated that the church’s administration was evaluating numerous alternative options.
He also stated that the church is awaiting the final ruling of the court, which ordered its members to vacate the premises within 60 days.
“After a ruling is made, people can always appeal. That is one of the options available,” stated the Reverend.
“We also know that our courts encourage alternative dispute resolutions. Other than appealing, we know that there are other options available. All those options are before us.”
The pastor stated that the verdict was a setback for the community, which relied on the center, which houses a church complex with a seating capacity of 1,200 people, a school, and offices housing a sacco.
“This is a massive establishment.” “There is a large community of students and worshippers who have been to other places but not here,” Mutahi continued.”This place has shaped so many people spiritually and intellectually because many students attended the school here.”
On Friday, Kajiado High court ordered that the church be demolished after determining that it obtained its title deed in an improper manner.
The Presbyterian Church was pitted against the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) in the dispute.
EPZA said it bought the land in 1991, but the church claimed it bought it from an Indian in 2002.
“The land in question was acquired fraudulently, I, therefore, rule that the occupants vacate the place within sixty days,” ruled the judge.
