- Two senior PCEA leaders will face contempt charges on February 17 for defying a court order halting the installation of a treasurer linked to a Ksh8.3 million loan dispute
- Despite warnings from the High Court, the leaders proceeded with the controversial installation of David Nderitu Ndumo during a high-profile church assembly attended by President William Ruto
Two senior leaders of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Rev. Thegu Mutahi, the church moderator, and Rev. Robert Waihenya, the secretary general, are set to be arraigned on Saturday, February 17, for contempt of court.
The clerics allegedly defied a court order blocking the installation of a treasurer embroiled in financial disputes.
The summons, issued by Lady Justice Stella Mutuku in Nairobi, marks the latest chapter in a legal battle that began in April 2023.
The Standard reported that the controversy stems from the installation of church elder David Nderitu Ndumo as honorary treasurer during the PCEA’s General Assembly, despite a High Court directive halting the process.
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Justice Asenath Ongeri, who initially presided over the case, had ordered the leadership to suspend the installation pending the resolution of Ndumo’s financial dispute at the Cooperative Tribunal.
The case was filed by church member Benjamin Wangari, who alleged that Ndumo’s integrity was compromised due to an outstanding loan of Sh5.6 million from Sheria SACCO.
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The defaulted amount, now ballooning to Sh8.3 million with interest and legal fees, has placed 15 guarantors under financial strain due to salary deductions.
The installation, attended by high-profile figures such as President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, took place amid controversy.
Rev. Mutahi reportedly refused to accept court documents during the event, citing the need to avoid disruption due to the presence of dignitaries.
Despite Justice Ongeri’s warning that disobedience of court orders would result in penalties, the installation proceeded, triggering contempt charges against the clerics.
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The Cooperative Tribunal has since summoned Ndumo for a show-cause hearing on January 29 to address the loan default.
Justice Mutuku emphasized the importance of upholding court orders, warning of legal consequences for defiance.
The ongoing legal tussle has cast a spotlight on governance and accountability within the PCEA, a prominent church with a pastoral presence in Kenya and Tanzania.
