A dispute over the management and ownership of some of the African Divine Churches (ADC) has taken a new twist.
This is after two opposing sides of the church moved to court – each claiming to be the legitimate owners.
One of the sides led by Rev Samuel Achanga has laid claim on at least 10 ADC churches – with their headquarters in Chekalini, Lugari Sub County while the other side is led by Archbishop John Chabuga.
Chabuga and his allies argue that all ADC churches are under him – with their headquarters at Boyani Mission in Hamisi, Vihiga County.
The Chabuga’s side has since secured a court order preventing Rev. Achanga’s group from worshipping in the 10 disputed ADC churches until the matter is heard and determined.
Church belongs to worshippers
However, Rev Achaga through his lawyer Daisy Chepkirui has opposed the order.
He argues that the decision will deny believers of the affected churches the opportunity to worship.
He further terms the court order as ill-informed as, according to Rev Achanga, the churches are not the property of anyone.
“The churches in dispute were built by us worshippers and there is no way an individual can claim to be the owner of our churches. We are fighting for deliberation of worshipers,” said Rev Achaga after the case was adjourned outside Hamisi Law court.
However, lawyer A.J Musieka who represents ADC Boyani has stressed that the group led by Achaga has no right to use the churches in contention as they are under Boyani’s mission.
“ADC is one at the mission at Boyani, anybody who claims to have another branch at Chekalini is misinformed,’’ said Musieka.
Hearing for the case continues on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, before Hamisi Senior Principal Magistrate Moline Ochieng.
ADC has been in existence for over seven decades. The current conflict and tension are threatening to split it into two.
