Gospel singer sues SDA church over ban

Gospel artist Lorine Otieno. The renowned gospel artist has sued the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for banning her from performing in its churches. [James Omoro/ Standard]

A renowned gospel artist has sued the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church for banning her from performing in its churches.

Lorine Otieno, who is widely known in the Nyanza region for her Dholuo gospel songs, has sued the church over what she termed as damaging her music career.

In the case filed at Homa Bay High Court, Otieno listed the administrative committee of the Southern Kenya Lake Field of the SDA Church as the first respondent.

The other respondents are Daniel Odek, West Kenya Union Conference of the SDA Church, and the SDA Church  (East Africa) Limited as the second, third, fourth, and fifth respondents, respectively.

Otieno accused the church of causing her financial and emotional harm with the ban.

In an affidavit, Otieno indicated that the executive secretary of the Southern Kenya Lake Field of the SDA Church wrote a memo that barred her from performing in any of the Field churches.

She argued that the memo, written on October 10, 2023, caused an abrupt and unjust challenge in her career.

Otieno said the memo was not communicated to her directly, but it was widely circulated on social media and digital news platforms.

She contended the churches predominantly constitute her audience since her music is crafted in Dholuo.

“Consequently, these churches constitute the petitioner’s principal audience and community of supporters, offering her a platform to spread her messages and ministry effectively through music,” the affidavit read.

Otieno says she was surprised that she was banned from performing without being given an opportunity to defend herself if there was any mistake she had made. She then sought to know the reasons for the ban but the church did not respond to her.

She said the ban tarnished her reputation in the community, causing loss of credibility among her followers and peers, which eventually caused her economic losses.

“The petitioner’s primary source of income has been severely disrupted by the ban. Many individuals who previously engaged her services have withdrawn their support, citing concerns over her standing with the church. The loss of engagement has damaged her career and undermined her ability to sustain her ministry,” the affidavit read.

Otieno is seeking a definitive resolution to permanently restore her rights and reputation she claimed had been damaged by the church’s action.

The case was first filed at Busia High Court before it was referred to Migori High Court, which finally transferred it to Homa Bay High Court.

Homa Bay High Court Deputy Registrar Christine Auko scheduled the case for mention before Justice Olga Sewe on September 29.