From Praise to Protest: Kayole Church Erupts as Congregants Lock Out Clergy

There was high drama on Sunday morning in Kayole as furious congregants of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) took matters into their own hands—literally—by dumping ballast at the church entrance and locking out their leaders over allegations of financial mismanagement and dictatorial leadership.

Armed with raw frustration and a firm resolve, worshippers disrupted the day’s service and physically sealed off the church compound, accusing top clergy of embezzling funds, overstaying their leadership terms, and ignoring calls for accountability.

“We built this church from scratch—from a mabati shack to this brick building. Now it feels like we’re locked out of something we helped create,” said Francis Mbichi, a long-time congregant.

The protest wasn’t just symbolic. Congregants used heavy stones and construction ballast to barricade the church entrance, ensuring that no one could access the building until their demands were addressed. Their grievances stem from years of alleged financial secrecy and a refusal by the church leadership to hold elections or involve the wider membership in key decisions.

“They’re always collecting money, but when we ask about the church’s bank statements, they claim the accounts are negative. It’s the same six people who benefit every Sunday,” a visibly angry member lamented.

Among the protesters’ demands are immediate leadership elections, the formation of an interim oversight committee, and a full financial audit of all church offerings and expenses. They say the church has morphed into a microcosm of national corruption, where money talks louder than morals.

“This church is now worse than the government. Every sermon turns into a fundraiser, yet we don’t see a single improvement. We want the truth,” shouted one elder, who joined the protest holding a placard reading, “Wakristo sio ATM!”

The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of church governance in Kenya, following recent scandals involving religious institutions. The Kayole case echoes a March incident, where a Christ Impact Church pastor was hunted by locals over allegations of child abuse.

As the standoff continues, the congregants have vowed not to step foot inside the sanctuary until new leaders are elected and financial transparency is restored.

“This isn’t about disrespecting the house of God—it’s about defending it,” Mbichi said.

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From Praise to Protest: Kayole Church Erupts as Congregants Lock Out Clergy