AIC wrangles rage as faithful reject new bishop

By Peter Mutai

Leadership wrangles at the troubled African Inland Church (AIC) intensified when a section of faithful rejected the South Rift’s bishop-elect.

Bishop Edwin Koech was installed on Sunday amid protest by a faction opposed to the leadership of Bishop Silas Yego, who presided over the function.

A faction led by Rev Philemon Kosgei held prayers at Tengecha School ground to welcome the New Year and said they did not recognise Bishop Yego.

Kosgei claimed they were not consulted in the drafting of the church’s new constitution, which paved the way for the appointment of 14 additional bishops, among other issues.

"We have totally rejected the new constitution, which was drafted secretly without the consultation of the church’s leaders at the grassroots and we urge our followers to stick to the old constitution," Kosgei said.

The group opposed to the new constitution vowed to remain firm and threatened to secede from the newly created church structure.

The new constitution has divided the church down the middle as a faction allied to Bishop David Mbuvi launched a scathing crusade against the leadership of Yego and his team.

Pastor Ken Rotich of Chebwagan said they would not accept dictators in the church, adding that the process of drafting the new constitution should have been all-inclusive and endorsed by the faithful at the grassroots.

Controversy

The installation ceremony was held at Litein High School sports ground in Bureti in the presence of three MPs, Franklin Bett (Bureti), Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi) and Magerer Langat (Kipkelion).

When contacted for comment, Koech spoke about the reason for the creation of new regions and appointment of the14 bishops, saying it was in line with the new constitution and based on the growth of the church.

On his part, Yego said he did not wish to be drawn into controversy, but warned that anyone including church leaders, who threatened the unity of the church, risked being expelled.

"I want to warn church leaders who are misleading the flock and warn them that they risk being excommunicated if they fail to stop peddling lies since we are the legally registered group," Yego said.

He said his faction was legally recognised by the Registrar of Societies.

Koech said the amendment of the church’s constitution was done last year and appealed to those opposed to it to follow the law as prescribed by the church doctrine.