A section members of Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) have moved to the high court seeking to stop the scheduled Annual General Conference to take place between 7 and 22 August 2018.
The members John Mbaabu Mukinda, Ernest Mungathia Maringa and Johnson Cokera, argue that the meeting has been called by Rev Joseph Ntombura who was restrained by the court from conducting any MCK function.
The order of the court issued 22 July 2016 restrained Bishop Rev Ntombura form holding any office as Presiding Bishop ofthe Kenya Methodist Church, the applicants states.
They told Justice Francis Tuiyot through their lawyer Reuben Myamweya, that currently the Church has not elected the Presiding Bishop who acts as the chair and convener of the Methodist church in Kenya capable to conduct the Annual Delegates Conference (ADC).
” The said former Presiding Bishop has acted contrary and disobeyed court orders and he likely to convene the ADC when the restraining orders are in place” the lawyer said.
Mr Nyamweya said that if the conference is allowed to take place a lot of changes are likely to occur that will affect other affiliate members who will not attend the ADC.
The ADC is a body that decide events to be observed during the Church calendar, saying other institutions must be allowed to participate.
However in replying affidavit by the respondents, the Methodist Church in Kenya through a trustee member Dr Zablon Nthamburi, says that the conference will go on since its forms h integral part of the Church that sets the agenda and guild lines for the institution.
He says that during the conference is when members will elect Presiding Bishop, Secretary, Treasurer and conference elected leaders.
Dr Ntamburi points that the MCK has been holding its conference every August every year and its members are aware.
The Church though Kibe Mungai, said there is nothing new to be discussed a part from the known activities of the Church.
He said that under the deed of foundation as contained in MCK constitution it would not be possible to run the Church lawfully and in accordance with the principals of good governance unless the ADC is held.
Justice Tuiyot, directed parties to appear before the Presiding Judge in Civil division on Friday August 2018, for further direction to the hearing of the application.
