Polisi officials in Kilifi County have launched an investigation after the residence of a Methodist bishop in the town of Kilifi was demolished on Sunday evening by individuals believed to be followers of the same church. The Methodist Church experienced a split in 2019 when some members advocated for its division.


According to Bishop Peter Mwavuo Karisa, the extent of the damage caused by the demolition, which was carried out using a bulldozer that entered the church compound despite the presence of a security officer, resulted in significant loss of valuable property, the exact value of which is currently unknown.


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According to Mr. Karisa, the security officer who was guarding the residence stated that the chairman of the church was present during the demolition.


The demolition took place while a court case regarding the autonomy of the Methodist Church in Kilifi County, seeking to be independent from the oversight of the Nairobi offices, is still ongoing.


"It is deeply saddening to see such an act being carried out by people who identify themselves as Christians. We are called to be the light of the world, and when the things we are supposed to illuminate appear to be in darkness, it renders the church meaningless," Mr. Karisa expressed.


Evangelist Agnes Kabuka appeared visibly angered by the incident, stating that the residence was built from the contributions of the faithful, from its inception to its completion.


"This church has been divided... it has two factions, and now the second faction does not want the bishop. It saddens me because this house belongs to the entire Kilifi Synod, and it was us, the members of the Synod, who laid its foundation," Ms. Kabuka explained.

Bishop Mwavuo also expressed his deep sorrow and advised Christians to embrace peace over discord.

"As Christians, we should be a beacon of goodness to society. But if we turn against each other and cause disruptions, who will embrace peace? It is a great shame that this has happened," Mr. Karisa concluded.