A section of worshipers in the Mbeere Anglican Diocese are pushing for the split of the see saying their bishop has neglected them.
Representatives from 34 parishes, mainly in Mbeere South Sub County, said they were fed up with the diocesan administration and called for a split with immediate effect.
Speaking to the press at Mayori area Sunday, the worshipers complained that the Diocesan Bishop, Moses Mashamba, favoured Mbeere North Sub-County where he hails from.
They said he only employs people from his Mbeere North neighbourhood and concentrates diocesan development programs in the area while neglecting Mbeere South Sub-County.
“This is discrimination of the highest order,” a worshiper, Mzee J.J Nyaga said.
Contacted for comment, Bishop Mashamba said he was not aware of the complaints by any church members. He however dismissed the allegations as untrue and unfounded and called on worshipers to be sober. He promised to investigate the allegations.
The cleric observed that worshipers from the area were peaceful and said he suspected politics was behind those complaining and agitating for the split of the diocese.
He asked politicians who could be inciting worshipers for their own gain to keep off church affairs with immediate effect.
The Bishop said worshipers had not submitted any written complaints to their priests or his office as procedure requires and advised the aggrieved party to seek his audience if they had issues they want resolved.
“We respect the views of our members but proper channels must be followed. Dioceses are not split but created through the laid down church process,” he added.
The Bishop denied that there were leadership problems in the diocese saying he was highly competent.
Accompanied by several priests, the Bishop explained that the diocese which is 22-years old encouraged dialogue for its smooth running.
By Steve Gatheru
