Two Arrested with Guns as Rival Groups Fight for Control of Lavington Methodist Church

There was drama at a church in Nairobi’s Kileleshwa area on Friday evening as two rival groups fought over its leadership.

The ugly confrontation at Lavington Methodist Church pitted the incoming bishop Rev Dr. Joseph Kanyamu and his followers against the current bishop Joseph Ntombura and his supporters.

It all started after reverend Kanyamu in the company of over 60 congregants stormed the church’s office by breaking its glass doors in a bid to eject bishop Ntombura, whose term has reportedly expired. 

The church compound turned into a battlefield for hours as the rival factions fought for control of the house of worship, and even exchanged unprintable words.

“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,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says in a report. 

Upon arrival, the officers led by the sub-county police commander and the DCIO managed to contain the situation. 

Two of reverend Kanyamu’s supporters were found to be armed with Glock semi-automatic pistols loaded with a total of 29 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.

The two, Kisito Matete (43), and Peter Murasi (36) were disarmed, arrested, and taken to Kilimani police station where they are currently being held. 

The church will be under 24-hour police surveillance until the standoff between the two warring groups is addressed.