Scores injured in Nakuru church fight

Scores of people, including a pastor, were today (Sunday) injured after fighting erupted in the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) at kwa Murogi in Free Area, Nakuru over a leadership row.

Two rival factions, one supporting Bishop Peter Muiruri as the Nakuru East Diocese bishop and another supporting Bishop Naftaly Thuku for the same position, were engaged in a violent clash that saw one member of the clergy hit on the face with a sharp object.

According to sources, Bishop Muiruri’s supporters invaded the church armed with batons and metal bars as Bishop Thuku was conducting service, triggering the fight that saw the bishop’s robe burnt.

Several doors and windows of a nursery school located within the church compound were also destroyed before police arrived to quell the violence.

Two people were also arrested in connection with the scuffle.

Meanwhile, there was drama at the scene after one man who had been arrested attempted to escape from the police van but was later recaptured and taken to Mwariki Police Station along with several others.

Bishop Thuku accused Bishop Muiruri of forcefully assuming office without following the right procedure.

He further accused the Church’s top leadership, led by Archbishop Amos Kabuthu, of planting leaders against the wish of faithful.

On his part, Bishop Muiruri said that we was installed as the Bishop of Nakuru Diocese through a letter dated July 19, 2016, adding that he will remain in office until the church headquarters directs otherwise.

Free Area Location Chief Stephen Kihara asked the two factions to leave the church compound and seek redress through the courts or as the church principles dictate.