African Inland Church worshippers at Milimani in Nakuru were left stranded Sunday morning, following the ongoing court tussle between the church management and some members who had filed a case in court.
Members of the congregation were shocked when they found the gates to the church locked and guarded by security officers.
“We arrived on time for the service as usual. We were shocked to find the gates chained and the guards stationed at the gate turned us away,” retorted one Alice Wamaitha, a worshipper.
Ten police officers, who arrived earlier than the worshipers, had pinned the court order at the gate, and upon arrival, members were turned away by the guards stationed at the entrance of the church.
However, a number of worshippers later forcefully gained entry into the compound, where they conducted the church service.
The altercation ensued when four of the church members moved to court last week and obtained a temporary injunction restraining some church leaders, led by Rev Anthony Njoroge, from gaining access or running the affairs of the church, until the case is heard and determined.
The four accused the latter of mismanagement and sought to get matters clear on management of the church.
Frustrated worshipers, who had to bear the brunt of the tussle held their prayers and worship along London-Prison road amid onlookers, who were keen to watch the drama.
The order was issued on April 14, by Nakuru Resident Magistrate Eunice Kelly.
The magistrate also directed the Nakuru OCS to restrain the respondent's agents from accessing the premises until April 27, when the matter was adjourned for hearing with both parties present.