A service at California Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Nakuru West turned chaotic on Saturday, March 2, 2025, when a heated altercation between congregants and the pastor escalated into a fistfight. The brawl, reportedly fueled by allegations of financial misconduct, left several people injured and exposed deep divisions within the congregation.
Tensions Boil Over During Service
For weeks, tensions had been rising among church members, with some accusing the pastor of mismanaging church funds. These frustrations reached a boiling point during the weekend service when one of the elders publicly confronted the pastor, demanding accountability.
According to witnesses, the elder took to the pulpit, accusing the pastor of bypassing church procedures and involving local authorities in a dispute.
“Why do you want to take us in circles? The church has its procedures, and you cannot force us to pray without addressing these issues,” the elder stated, referencing the pastor’s alleged attempt to have members arrested for a purported murder plot.
Physical Confrontation Sparks Mass Panic
The confrontation escalated when the elder charged at the pastor. The two exchanged blows, prompting other worshippers to join the melee on the pulpit. Chairs were broken, and the commotion forced women and children to flee the unfinished church building in panic.
Videos of the incident, which quickly went viral, captured the chaos as congregants clashed openly in what many have described as a deeply embarrassing episode for the church.
Recurring Violence in SDA Church Leadership
This incident follows another violent episode involving SDA church leaders. In a separate case, a senior church leader stabbed an elder, Francis Opiyo, 35, during a dispute. The attacker reportedly smuggled a knife into the church concealed inside a Bible. Opiyo succumbed to his injuries, and the suspect later surrendered to the assistant chief.
A Call for Peace and Accountability
The Nakuru West SDA Church incident underscores a growing crisis of leadership and accountability within religious institutions. Members have called for calm and urged church leaders to address grievances through dialogue and established church protocols.
Such violent confrontations not only damage the church’s reputation but also alienate congregants, particularly younger members who seek spiritual guidance in a harmonious environment.
As investigations continue, the congregation hopes for resolutions that restore peace and integrity to the church.
