Bishop's dismissal continues heated disagreement

The Methodist Church of Kenya's Mombasa Synod has been embroiled in a series of disputes since the removal of its presiding bishop, Isaiah Deye, on July 24.

In a recent meeting attended by church leaders from various circuits, including Mazeras, Mariakani, Mamba, Kwale, Kisiwani, Mtongwe, Kisauni, and Changamwe, Reverend Robert Mboya read a joint statement. The statement reaffirmed that only the church conference is mandated to install a presiding bishop, and they will continue taking orders from Bishop Deye.

The personalities who demanded the reinstatement of Bishop Deye included church leaders and community representatives. They also called for the convening of the 59th conference and the introduction of devolution, which is intended to allow for regional conferences.

The leaders claim that Bishops Imathiu and Kanyaru, who announced the removal of Bishop Deye and subsequently took over, contravened the oath they took under the standing orders of the church. As a result, they have been asked to keep off the synod and hand over the church vehicle and house.

The removal of Bishop Deye was considered a coup by some church leaders and is not recognized by them. The sacked Mombasa Synod Bishop Joshua Ikiao has also been asked to keep off the synod.

In addition to the demand for Bishop Deye's reinstatement, the clerics also called for the tabling of the finance audit report in the 59th annual conference and its extension to other church institutions like Kenya Methodist University (Kemu), Maua hospital, women fellowship desk, and mission finance.

Leaders from the Coast have pressed for the introduction of devolution to end persistent leadership disputes in the church. The disputes have led to intensified wrangles within the Mombasa Synod, as stated by the Acting Mombasa Synod Bishop Reverend David Ochami.

Bishops Imathiu and Kanyaru, who announced the removal of Bishop Deye on July 24 and installed themselves in power, have not yet responded to these demands. The situation remains uncertain, with the church community awaiting resolution to the ongoing disputes.