Church Leaders Condemn Demolition of Logos Revival Ministries in Eldoret

   By Wasike ElvisChurch leaders in Eldoret have united in condemning the controversial demolition of Logos Revival Ministries Church, Princedom School, and associated offices. The demolition, which occurred on December 19, 2024, was carried out by a group of individuals reportedly accompanied by 50 armed police officers, other personnel in full tactical gear, and men armed with crude weapons. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for government intervention.According to church officials, the attackers arrived in a lorry, fenced off the 2.5-acre parcel of land, and began pulling down the structures, including the church sanctuary, school, and offices. Caretakers on the property were harassed, evicted, and left helpless as the attackers claimed to have an eviction order. However, the church maintains that the order was meant for a different property, casting doubt on the legality of the actions.”An Illegal and Heinous Act,” Says Bishop SimwaBishop Peter Simwa, a respected church leader in Eldoret, strongly condemned the incident. He described the demolition as an affront to the rule of law and a violation of the church’s rights. “We stand united as church leaders in Eldoret to denounce this heinous act. Logos Revival Ministries has been on this land for 23 years and has all the legal documentation to prove ownership, including sales agreements, change of user approvals, and updated land rates. The government must act to protect us,” he said.The Bishop emphasized the importance of the church to the community, highlighting its contributions to spiritual growth, education, and social welfare. He urged relevant government agencies to intervene swiftly and investigate the incident.Bishop Watindi Laments Loss of Decades-Long DevelopmentBishop Aggrey Watindi, the head of Logos Revival Ministries, expressed his devastation over the loss of property and developments that had taken years to build. He revealed that the church had invested KSh 7 million in constructing a permanent sanctuary and had established Princedom School to cater to disadvantaged children in the community.“This property has been a beacon of hope for many in the community. We have developed it from scratch, and it has served as a place of worship, learning, and support for vulnerable groups. The demolition occurred despite ongoing court cases over the land, and the process has blatantly disregarded the law,” Bishop Watindi stated.He called on President William Ruto to personally intervene and ensure justice is served. He also expressed concern for the displaced schoolchildren, many of whom rely on Princedom School for education and care. Impact on Students and the CommunityThe timing of the demolition has caused significant disruption, as students were preparing to resume classes on Monday. Princedom School, which operates on the same property, provides education and support to disadvantaged children, many of whom now face uncertainty.Rev. Isaac Mutai, overseer of Deliverance Church in Eldoret, described the incident as “a tragedy of immense proportions.” He criticized the lack of due process and called on the Ministry of Lands and the National Land Commission to investigate claims of double allocation of the land. “We condemn the demolition in the strongest terms. It is unacceptable for such an act to take place, especially as children are about to return to school. The government must protect legitimate landowners and ensure justice is served,” he said.Call for Government ActionChurch leaders have collectively called on the government to take immediate action to address the matter. They urged relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and law enforcement, to investigate the incident, halt any further destruction, and hold those responsible accountable. They also emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in resolving land disputes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.Bishop Simwa stressed the importance of protecting institutions that contribute to community development. “The church has been a pillar of hope and progress in this community. It is deeply disheartening to see such an important establishment torn down without regard for the law or the people it serves,” he said.A Legacy Under ThreatFor over two decades, Logos Revival Ministries has been a cornerstone of the Eldoret community, offering spiritual guidance, education, and social support. The church’s legal team has vowed to pursue justice through the courts, while its leaders continue to appeal for government intervention to stop the demolition and address the root cause of the conflict. “We are not just fighting for the church or the school; we are fighting for the community that depends on these institutions,” Bishop Watindi remarked. “We remain hopeful that justice will prevail and that the government will protect its citizens and their rights.”As the community waits for action, the demolition serves as a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding land ownership and the importance of upholding the rule of law in resolving disputes. Church leaders and community members are urging swift and decisive action to restore hope and stability to the affected families and institutions.  Read More