50 AIC pastors defend Bishop Yego, support church’s new law

By Osinde Obare and Peter Mutai

Fifty Africa Inland Church pastors have defended the church’s head over allegations he manipulated the drafting of the church’s new constitution.

They asked "disgruntled elements" in the church to quit instead of antagonising Bishop Silas Yego.

Yego is facing a revolt from a rival faction, led by Bishop David Mbuvi, over the controversial new constitution of the church.

The pastors from North Rift, led by Isaac Gikonyo, supported the new constitution, arguing it proposed change in the church.

"Bishop Yego has done much for the church and those opposed to his leadership should quit, instead of misleading the church members," said Gikonyo in Kitale.

The new constitution paved the way for the appointment of 14 additional bishops, among other issues. The bishops are now directly answerable to the head of the church in Kenya, a position currently occupied by Yego.

The pastors described the leadership wrangles in the church as the "work of the devil" and said the new constitution would unite them.

Wrangles in the church came to a head on Sunday, when a section of faithful rejected the installation of South Rift Bishop Edwin Koech.

Meanwhile, Koech has formally taken office even as the differences within the church threaten to divide the flock. Koech yesterday said he has taken over the church’s regional offices at Litein in Buret District.