PCEA clerics Robert Waihenya and Thegu Mutahi to take the dock on February 17

Two top Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) leaders will face court on February 17, for contempt charges after allegedly defying a court order to block the installation of a treasurer linked to financial disputes.

 Lady Justice Stella Mutuku, who took over the case following the transfer of two previous judges, issued the summons in Nairobi.

Rev. Thegu Mutahi, the church moderator and Rev. Robert Waihenya, the secretary general, are accused of ignoring a High Court directive from April 2023 that stopped the installation of church elder David Nderitu Ndumo as Honorary Treasurer during the church’s General Assembly.

The directive, issued by Lady Justice Asenath Ongeri, arose from a petition filed by church member Benjamin Wangari.

Wangari argued that Ndumo’s installation would breach principles of integrity and honesty, given his alleged default on a loan of Sh 5.6 million from Sheria SACCO.

The defaulted loan, which has grown to Sh 8.3 million with interest and court charges, has left 15 guarantors facing financial hardship due to salary deductions.

The event, attended by President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was marked by drama when Rev. Mutahi refused to accept court documents served by a process server.

Rev. Mutahi later explained in court documents that he acted to avoid disrupting the event due to the presence of high-profile guests.

Justice Ongeri had ordered the church leadership to halt the installation pending the resolution of Ndumo’s case at the Cooperative Tribunal.

She also warned that disobedience of court orders would result in penalties. Despite this, the installation reportedly proceeded, prompting contempt of court charges against the two clerics.

The Cooperative Tribunal has summoned Ndumo for a show-cause hearing on Wednesday, January 29, to address the loan default.

Justice Mutuku has reiterated that court orders must be upheld and any defiance will face legal consequences.

The PCEA, with pastoral presence in Kenya and Tanzania, is under scrutiny as the legal battle unfolds, drawing attention to governance and accountability within the church.