There was drama on the morning of Sunday, July 13, at a church in Kayole as worshippers spewed ballast to block the entry of a church.

The congregants stalled proceedings at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA), accusing the church's leadership of mismanagement.

According to reports, the disgruntled congregants had grown fed up with their church leaders allegedly embezzling funds and overstaying their welcome.

The worshippers accused the leaders of clinging to power without accountability by failing to hold elections or involve the local community in key decisions.

Scenes at the AIPCA Church in Kayole on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

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AIPCA Kayole Church.

“We have done a lot for this church. We built it from a mabati structure to a brick one, but the leadership has completely disregarded us,” said Francis Mbichi, a congregant.

In a bold act of protest, the irate worshippers locked the church as they spread ballast on the entrance, blocking any access to the church.

"They're good at asking for money. But when it comes to accountability, we're always told the banks are negative. This church has been reduced to a place where only six people benefit.".

Among the worshippers' list of demands was for an election to establish a new leadership. 

They further called on the formation of an interim committee to oversee an audit and determine where funds from offerings were being channelled to.

"The church has become more corrupt than the rest of the country. Every Sunday, the main point of discussion is money, yet we do not see where the money is going."

To reiterate their resolve, the worshippers summoned the church leaders, vowing to keep the institution inaccessible until their grievances are heard.

The Kayole incident had similar undertones to a separate case in March, when a pastor attached to Christ Impact Church was sought by angry residents over alleged abuse of young boys. 

Scenes in Ruiru on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

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Thika Town Today