Nyeri church to pay ministers KSh7 million over alleged homosexuality

Employment and Labour Relations court sitting in Nyeri on Friday, September 9, 2016 ordered the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) to reinstate three church ministers who were suspended over allegations of engaging in homosexual activities.

On September 10, 2015 the Diocese Head, Bishop Joseph Mwangi Kagunda held a press briefing where he broke the news and announced the suspension of the priests, saying there was sufficient evidence linking them to the unlawful practice.

Justice Byram Ongaya ordered the church to pay the complainants damages amounting to KSh7 million.

Justice Ongaya said the money would be “compensation for the trauma the three passed through when they were serving their suspension.”

James Maigua would be paid KSh2,224,996; John Njogu Gachau KSh2,437,780; and Paul Mwangi KSh2, 219 814.

The court asked Maigua, Gachau and Mwangi to report to the Mount Kenya West Archdiocese Bishop Joseph Kagunda by October 1, 2016 for their reinstatement.

The court further directed the church to pay damages to the three by December 1, 2016.

The complainants went to court in September 2015 after they were accused of enticing four young men to engage in homosexual acts with them.

Following the claims, the ACK suspended them.