Three dead, scores injured as church factions clash

Three people have died and scores injured after rival factions clashed at Africa Israel Nineveh Church in Hamisi, Vihiga County.

According to witnesses, the three met their deaths after chaos erupted between two warring factions just before the church service began, pitting the church’s Bishop John Mweresa and his brother Chadiva Amugune.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the injured, who were recuperating at Hamisi Hospital, said the factions claiming leadership of the church attacked each other using machetes and clubs, maiming several worshippers who were caught in the ensuing melee.

The fight escalated leading to a house and the car of the Bishop-Mweresa- being set ablaze.

Locals claim that the church’s founder, Daudi Kivuri, handed over the church’s leadership to Bishop Mweresa, but it reportedly did not go down well with some members, especially with his wife, Rebecca Kivuri, who wanted the seat contested for.

After a string of claims and counter claims in the corridors of justice, a meeting was organised last week on Sunday aimed at resolving the wrangles but was left in disarray after Mrs Kivuri and her group clashed with goons allegedly hired by Mweresa.

Police have launched investigations and a hunt for Mwaresa, who disappeared after the incident