Chaos was narrowly averted on Sunday at the Kao La Amani African Inland Church in Eldoret after police were called in to quell tensions between rival factions embroiled in a leadership and financial dispute.
The conflict, which has been simmering for weeks, came to a head when worshippers arrived for their Sunday service only to find the church doors locked, barring entry.
The church, which boasts of a congregation of over 2,000 members, was thrown into disarray as factions within the community clashed over the recent election of church officials.
The newly elected local church council, led by Joel Kimisoi, had been scheduled to take over leadership duties on Sunday.
However, their plans were thwarted when they found the church sealed off by a rival group opposing their election.
"We had come to worship and praise God peacefully, but we were met with locked doors," stated Kimisoi, the new council leader.
"You can talk to our bishop about all issues, but we are peaceful and praising God."
Members of the faction that locked the church doors have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the new leadership, alleging irregularities in the election process and questioning the financial management of the church.
This group has made it clear that they do not recognise the authority of the newly elected officials and will continue to oppose them.
With tensions high and the situation at risk of escalating, police were dispatched to the scene to prevent any potential violence.
Despite the heavy police presence, most of the worshippers opted to hold impromptu prayer sessions in small groups outside the church before dispersing, fearing that the dispute might turn chaotic.
In a related development, a similar incident occurred at PCEA Kiamwathi Church in Nyeri, where a group of Gen Z youth took matters into their own hands by locking out fellow worshippers.
The protest was in response to the dismissal of their beloved church leader, Reverend Lucy.
The young congregants, expressing their dissatisfaction through placards that read, "We are not cooling down until our Reverend Lucy comes back" and "We need a clean church, No Reverend, No Peace, No Church," demanded the reinstatement of the dismissed reverend.
This growing wave of youth activism, particularly among Gen Z, is becoming increasingly evident in religious settings across the country.
Weeks ago, the Gen Z protesters attempted to disrupt a church service attended by President William Ruto after holding anti-government demonstrations in different parts of the country.
