Methodist Church of Kenya leadership wrangles escalate

The wrangles in the Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK) escalated on Saturday after the leadership of its Nairobi Synod delinked itself from the institution’s presiding Bishop Joseph Ntombura.

The move comes after a meeting that brought together the leaders under Nairobi Synod Bishop Dr. John Maromba who stated there is need for urgent intervention, calling out Ntombura for irregularly instigating the extension of his term in office by two years.

Led by Bishop Maromba, the leaders stated there was need for urgent intervention as Ntombura’s continued stay in office is threatening the Methodist unity in the country.

“We will not be accountable to the conference until the current stalemate surrounding the leadership of our church is resolved,” stated Bishop Maromba.

The Nairobi Synod is opposed to Ntombura’s continued stay in office after the lapse of his 10-year reign at the helm of the Ksh.500 billion worth church.

“We have no problems with any other Synod, neither do we have a problem with the congregation our only issue is Ntombura who is in office illegally,” stated another leader.

Ntombura is accused of extending his term by another 2 years after amending the church’s standing order.

“He should become magnanimous and just step out of office to allow the church to appoint new leadership,” said Bishop Zablon Nthamburi.

That is however long coming as Ntombura averred that his stay in office was procedural, saying the top leadership will consider grievances by dissenting voices.

“The extension of the term with two years was procedurally done in the 57th annual conference which was held at the Methodist resort and conference centre on August 3, 2022,” said Ntombura.

He could serve up to 2024 if his utterances on the steps of the Methodist resort in Nairobi are anything to go by.

“We will give way for a special conference which will initiate the process of electing a new Bishop sometime this year,” added Ntombura.

“The conflict within the men and women of the cloth at MCK moved from silent boardroom wars and escalated into court battles, excommunication and now public display of contempt.