AIC Umoja is grappling with rising tensions, as congregant’s express deep dissatisfaction with the Nairobi Area Bishop, Joshua Kimuyu, who they accuse of failing to address their ongoing concerns. Members of the congregation now feel betrayed by the Nairobi Area Church Council’s prolonged silence and inaction.

When Bishop Kimuyu visited AIC Umoja on February 23, 2025, he promised to tackle the church’s pressing issues and temporarily quelled the unease.

However, weeks have passed and the promises made remain unfulfilled, leaving the congregation feeling deceived and abandoned.

The congregation has firmly stated that the ongoing presence of the current pastoral team is the root cause of division, manipulation and stagnation at the church.

“There is no room for token gestures or half-hearted solutions,” says a congregant who chooses to remain anonymous, insisting that only a complete overhaul of the leadership will restore the unity, faith, and order the church so desperately needs.

Ignored concerns

According to internal sources, AIC Umoja members have made it clear that they are demanding reforms. In November 2023, some congregants reached out to the Central Church Council regarding irregularities in the election nomination process.

Since then, they have submitted numerous letters, organised meetings, and even conducted a public engagement survey, all in a bid to address critical issues like governance, financial transparency and leadership reforms.

However, congregants claim that their concerns have been largely ignored.

“The integrity of AIC leadership, both at the Area and national levels, is on the line,” a congregant remarks.

Hope dashed

Congregants had hoped the bishop would comprehend the severity of the situation, understanding that their concerns were urgent. But as the weeks stretch on, their expectations have been dimmed.

One of the most contentious issues is the church’s handling of the election process, which many believe to be deeply-flawed, as well as the ongoing lack of transparency concerning the church’s financial dealings and land management. Adding to the unrest, several church members were excommunicated in January 2025.

“If they continue to ignore us, they will face a backlash from a congregation that refuses to be side-lined any longer,” another congregant warns.

They are demanding the transfer of the current pastoral team, dissolution of the current LCC, and the formation of a new team.

Bishop Kimuyu’s visit had briefly instilled hope, as he promised to address the concerns in a transparent and accountable manner.

“As a church, we advocate for transparency, and I will ensure everything is above board,” the bishop had remarked during his sermon.

However, despite the assurances, congregants still lament that the “sins” and governance issues within the church leadership.