PCEA Kitengela wants out-of-court deal in land dispute
The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Kitengela is seeking an out-of-court settlement in a land dispute with the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA).
On September 21, the Kajiado Land Court ruled that the 2.5-acre piece of land which houses the church and a primary school belongs to EPZA.
The Authority and the church have been entangled in a dispute for nine years. The church was given 60 days to vacate the land.
The ruling triggered anxiety among members of the 2,000-seat capacity church and over 1,000 parents with children at the school.
PCEA leaders led by Rev Thegu Mutahi, the national moderator and Rev John Chang’ari Kajiado presbytery moderator have asked members for patience as they address the matter.
“We received the news of the ruling with shock since we have always known that we purchased the land through the legal process. We are dissatisfied but we will honour the court ruling. We are consulting our legal team to chart the way forward on this emotive matter. The Judiciary encourages us to seek alternative dispute resolution mechanism and as a church we would also consider an out-of-court resolution,” said Thegu.
In an emotional service on Sunday, the leaders sought to reassure members of the church that the matter will be solved amicably.
“I urge all of us as Christians to remain calm. Justice will prevail on this matter,” said Rev Chang’ari, sentiments echoed by the church reverend Murage Muraya.
The land in question was acquired by the church in 2002.
