Worshippers at God’s Last Appeal Church in Sangla Kagak, Awendo Sub-county, were left stunned on Thursday after a church elder abruptly evicted them and ordered the demolition of their sanctuary.

The incident occurred during a midweek prayer service, which was attended by congregants including the sick, who had gathered for spiritual support. The elder, identified as Mzee George Ouma, is reported to have stormed into the church compound, expelled the faithful, and personally supervised the destruction of the building, citing frustration over unfulfilled promises from the church leadership.

“I gave them my land, but what have I gained?” Ouma said while speaking to reporters. “People are eating while I am starving. Do they not see my suffering? That is why I sent them away.”

Ouma said he had donated the land in good faith, expecting support for his family in return. He claimed church leaders had promised to help educate his children, assist his family financially, and mediate family disputes. However, he said none of these commitments were honoured.

Church leaders expressed shock over the incident, saying the act was unexpected. Bishop Ken Ngaji, speaking after the demolition, confirmed that the land had indeed been donated by Ouma, but emphasized that there had never been a formal, written agreement.

“We are devastated,” said Bishop Ngaji. “This serves as a reminder that any donation of land to a religious institution must be done with clear documentation. We are now looking for a new location to continue our worship.”

The congregation is now left without a place of worship, grappling with the loss of a sanctuary they had relied on for years.

“This was beyond imagination,” said one church member. “We never knew the elder carried such pain in his heart.”

Police have not yet confirmed whether any legal action will be taken regarding the destruction of the church structure.

Written by, Laban Shikokoti