Defiant worshippers protest transfer

By Philip Mwakio

Some worshippers at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Church at Tudor, Mombasa, on Sunday dramatically protested the suspension of their pastor.

Bishop John Mbuti, head of AIC Coast region, had a hard time addressing noisy worshippers who were protesting against the alleged ouster of Pastor Julius Nudi.

The worshippers, comprising mostly women, shouted down preachers who took to the pulpit to deliver the day’s sermons.

"We know Pastor Nudi is innocent and we shall not accept any replacement. Let them show us proof of any wrong deeds," screamed a woman who was seated near the pulpit.

Six riot policemen from the Makupa Police Station kept vigil outside the church as other worshippers milled outside the entrance.

Bishop Mbuti said Pastor Nudi had failed to respond to several summons to appear before the District Church Council for questioning over alleged abuse of office.

He told worshippers the running of the church would be under instructors from the Pwani Bible Institute for an unspecified duration.