2 Armed Men Arrested As Rival Groups Clashed Over Kileleshwa Church Leadership

Two rival church groups on Friday clashed over the leadership of Lavington Methodist Church in Kileleshwa.

According to DCI, the church was turned into a battlefield as the two sides led by incoming Bishop Rev Dr Joseph Kanyamu and Bishop Joseph Ntombura went for each others’ throats. 

Two armed men, Kisito Matete and Peter Murasi were arrested in the process.

"However, two of Rev Kanyamu’s men were found to be armed with glock semi automatic pistols, loaded with a total of 29 rounds of ammunition, 9mm callibre. The two armed men Kisito Matete, 43, and Peter Murasi, 36, were disarmed, arrested and escorted to Kilimani police station where they’re currently being held," said DCI.

The group led by the incoming Bishop broke the door to the church as they tried to forcefully eject Ntombura whose term has expired. 

"In a vicious battle not witnessed in the neighborhood said to be home to the city’s upper class, unprintable words were exchanged as the two rival factions fought for control of the sanctuary," DCI added.

"One group led by the incoming bishop Rev Dr Joseph Kanyamu accompanied by over 60 congregants, forcefully gained entry into the church’s office by breaking its glass doors, in a bid to eject bishop Joseph Ntombura whose term had expired."

As the heated exchange continued, the church guard who was overwhelmed alerted officers at Kileleshwa police station who responded to contain the situation.

The church has been put under 24-hour police surveillance, until the standoff between the two rival factions is addressed.