Big shots keep off troubled SDA church as calm returns

Worship at the troubled Nairobi Central SDA Church went on uninterrupted yesterday even as some worshipers stayed away.

The church, which is synonymous with senior government officials and businessmen was half full yesterday.

The heavy police presence that has characterised worship at the church for the last three weeks had been reduced.

Unlike in the past when police officers in uniform as well as those in civilian clothes were sent to guard the church, yesterday only two GSU officers were providing security.

Senior Pastor Jean Maiywa, who has claimed that his life is in danger was also missing from the church yesterday amid the fresh storm that his complaint to the police has generated.

Maiywa recorded statements with Kilimani DCI officers last Thursday and blamed members of a rival group of planning to kill him.

Widen rift

On Friday, 10 senior members of the church, who are also prominent individuals in society were summoned to Kilimani Police Station where they were made to record statements with the police over the death claims.

They include two retired military officers, a doctor, professors and a former Postmaster General. They defended themselves from the allegations leveled against them by Maiywa.

Yesterday, sources at the station told the Sunday Standard that the police on Friday wrote to the church management demanding for CCTV footage of August 20 when a worshipper is alleged to have stormed into the church while armed with a pistol and a knife.

Kilimani DCI Chief Fatuma Hadi, who is leading the investigations, was yesterday not available for comment as she did not answer calls and text messages. Maiywa complained that the member, who displayed his gun threatened him verbally.

The grave allegations of murder filed against a section of the top church leaders is likely to widen the rift in the church, coming at a time when reconciliation efforts are in process.

On July 30, Maiywa together with Clerk Samuel Oyombra wrote to DCI George Kinoti impressing upon him to, among other things, have assault complaints filed with the police investigated and suspects apprehended.

Capitol Hill police station where they complaints were filed is yet to open investigations.