Trustees sue church head for allegedly seizing titles

What you need to know:

  • The two, who have sued on behalf of the trustees, told Lady Justice Lucy Gacheru that there had been a simmering dispute in the church because the archbishop wanted to play the twin roles of spiritual and administrative functions.
  • Mr Paul Watoro Gichu and Mr Simon Peter Mwangi claimed that a faction led by Mr Mathenge had in May, this year, broke into the church at the Bahati headquarters and took the documents.

The leader of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa, Archbishop Amos Mathenge has been sued over claims he illegally acquired the church’s title deeds.

Mr Paul Watoro Gichu and Mr Simon Peter Mwangi claimed that a faction led by Mr Mathenge had in May, this year, broke into the church at the Bahati headquarters and took the documents.

The two, who have sued on behalf of the trustees, told Lady Justice Lucy Gacheru that there had been a simmering dispute in the church because the archbishop wanted to play the twin roles of spiritual and administrative functions.

“There is imminent probability that Mr Mathenge and his cronies might tamper with the properties of the church since he has all the title deeds and the seal,” said lawyer David Kirimi, for the trustees.

Mr Kirimi said the bishop was building a church for his allies on land set aside for the construction of a theological college.

He said the bishop had declined to form a tribunal to resolve the wrangles.

However, Mr Mathenge, through lawyer Ngata Kamau, said that the petitioners had ceased being trustees of the church.

Mr Kamau said the church had bona fide trustees who have not given any authority for a suit to be filed.

The case will be mentioned on February 11, next year.