Chaos erupted this past Saturday at the Nyabigena Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church, leaving ten worshippers injured during a violent confrontation sparked by an intense dispute over church leadership between factions representing the Nairobi Cosmopolitan Conference (NCC) and the South East Kenya Conference (SEKEF).
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of pandemonium, with congregants violently clashing amidst the Saturday service.
The disturbance reportedly began when an elder made an inflammatory announcement, referring to some members as “traitors” for attending last week’s service.
The remark triggered a fierce altercation as unidentified individuals stormed the church, leading to a physical free-for-all between the rival groups.
Ms. Martha Bosibori, one of the injured worshippers, lamented the shocking turn of events.
“All hell broke loose when the announcement was made. The church was supposed to be a place of peace, yet we found ourselves in a brawl,” she stated, recounting the moments of chaos that ensued.
Video footage obtained from the scene reveals the extent of the violence, with congregants kicking, punching, and throwing plastic chairs as women’s cries filled the air.
“What kind of church is this? Why are you beating me when I try to save some of our people?” one woman’s voice is heard pleading amid the turmoil.
Upon arrival, local police confirmed the reports of violence but noted that no congregants were present to file complaints at the time. Nyamarambe Sub-County Police Commander Thomas Parkolwa addressed the media, stating,
“We were called after the fracas began. Our primary role is to maintain peace. If people refuse to cooperate with us, as is the case with one faction, it makes our job more challenging.”
Commander Parkolwa emphasized the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, urging community leaders and members to seek alternatives to violence when addressing grievances.
“It’s disheartening to see such incidents occur, especially within a religious institution in today’s society,” he added.
As of yet, the leadership of the SDA church has remained silent regarding the incident.
Reporters arriving at the church found a meeting taking place behind closed doors among local elders and pastors, with one member stating, “Let us first consult among ourselves and see if we will address you,” before declining to offer further comments.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, but tensions remain high between the competing factions, raising concerns about the potential for further unrest.
In light of this disturbing event, the community and church leaders are called to reflect on the importance of fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and understanding, ensuring that places of worship remain sanctuaries free from violence.
