The Kileleshwa Methodist Church has been placed under a 24-hour police surveillance until normalcy is restored among the congregants.
This after two rival church groups engaged in a heated exchange on Friday, with each group trying to take control over the sanctuary.
According to a statement by DCI, the group of congregants led by the incoming Bishop forcefully gained entry to the church in a bid to eject the bishop whose term had expired.
“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,” the statement read.
The church guard could not control the overwhelming group of congregants and was forced to alert the police who arrived at the scene immediately.
“In the ensuing melee, the church guard who was overwhelmed by the faithful-turned goons, alerted police officers based at Kileleshwa police station who responded immediately,” DCI said.
The police managed to contain the crowd however two of the incoming reverend’s men were found in possession of pistols.
“Upon arrival, the contingent led by the sub county police commander and the DCIO managed to contain the situation. 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,” DCI revealed.
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.
Meanwhile the house of worship remains under 24-hour police surveillance, until the standoff between the two rival factions is addressed.
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