Three people were today killed and scores left injured in a church, in Vihiga County, following clashes over the Church’s leadership.
Three goons who had been hired by one of the leaders, Mr David Mweresa, to carry out an attack on the rival groups were overpowered by the church members.
A car and a house belonging to a church leader were also burnt down.
Mr Mweresa, had allegedly hired goons, placing them strategically in order to accomplish his 'mission' against the rival group.
According to a Nation report, the Africa Israel Nineveh, run by a family, has been embroiled in leadership wrangles for long after the death of its founder Mr Daudi Kivuri in the 1950s.
Mr Kivuri is said to have handed leadership roles to one of his sons, Mr Mweresa John.
However, Mr Kivuri’s widow Mrs Rebecca Kivuri and another son Chadiva Amugune and a section of church members, are said to have fallen out with Mr Mweresa’s leadership style touching off a long battle over the control of the church's affairs.
Just six months ago, a Kisumu court reportedly ruled in favour of Mrs Kivuri but the ruling was not well received by Mr Mweresa.
A group of the goons are said to have been hiding in his house, which was set on fire, while another was at the church ready for their ‘mission’.
However, their plans were thwarted while many others were injured and rushed to nearby Benja Health Centre and others to Hamisi hospital.
