Court Jails PCEA Leaders Over Disobedience In Treasurers’ Installation Dispute
News Updated: 19 December 2025 10:10 EAT
The High Court has jailed Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Secretary General Rev Patrick Waihenya and Moderator Rev Thegu Mutahi, or offered them the option of paying fines, after finding them guilty of contempt of court. The two senior clerics were convicted for disobeying court orders related to an internal church leadership dispute.
The court ruled that the clerics willfully ignored a lawful order that barred them from interfering with the installation process of David Ndumo as the church’s treasurer. The order had been issued pending the determination of a case challenging Ndumo’s eligibility to hold the position.
According to the court, evidence showed that the two were properly served with the orders but proceeded with actions that effectively blocked Ndumo’s installation, an act the judge said undermined the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.
During mitigation, Rev Mutahi asked the court for leniency, arguing that the actions were not intended to defy the court and pledging future compliance with judicial directives. Rev Waihenya, through his legal counsel, also sought consideration, citing commitments that delayed his court appearance.
The ruling has drawn significant attention within the church and the wider public, highlighting growing judicial scrutiny over governance disputes in religious institutions. The case is expected to continue generating debate as the church navigates internal tensions and the legal process.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD