Two church elders from Getare SDA in Nyamira County might lose their jobs after a section of worshippers accused them of grand corruption.
The two, Francis Ochogo and Alias Orina, are accused of pocketing at least Sh300,000 that had been contributed towards the construction of the new church building.
On Thursday, the worshippers, led by Mr Wycliffe Nyang’iti, urged the two to relinquish their jobs and gave them an ultimatum of one week to surrender the money which they had fraudulently withdrawn from the church’s bank account.
“Our elders should be people of integrity but unfortunately, the two have failed the test. Failing to account for Sh300,000 is a big tragedy. They have up to a week to account for the money and submit the same to the treasurer,” he said.
According to them, the new church had stalled and the two elders failed to buy the materials despite the church having contributed the funds less than a month ago.
“The contractor can no longer do the job because we don’t have materials. The two have not given the money and none of them is taking about it,” he added.
But Mr Ochogo denied the claims of misusing the money and linked the financial struggles to the recent camp meeting hosted by Mochenwa mother church.
“We haven’t spent any money. We have little remaining but we had used the money to host visitors during the camp meetings,” he said.
The claim that has since been vehemently dismissed by the worshippers calling for Nyamira conference to initiate investigations.
“I don’t think a normal person could use money exclusively meant for construction in other activities without involving the church. That is a blatant lie and disciplinary actions should be initiated,” said another faithful Christine Nyanchoka.