A congregation in Thika was left devastated after their church building came crashing down during a demolition exercise linked to a lease dispute. The pastor, visibly shaken, broke down in tears as heavy machinery brought down the structure he had personally worked to put up over the years.
Eyewitnesses said the exercise caught many worshippers off guard, with some rushing to salvage chairs, sound equipment and other belongings before the walls fell. Videos and photos circulating online show a distraught pastor watching helplessly as workers dismantled what had once been a lively place of worship, complete with a stage, musical instruments and rows of seats that hosted regular services.
According to reports, the demolition stemmed from a disagreement over the lease agreement covering the land on which the church stood. Disputes of this nature have become increasingly common in urban areas where land ownership and tenancy terms are often contested, leaving tenants vulnerable even after investing heavily in developments.
Members of the congregation expressed shock and sadness at the turn of events, with many taking to social media to console the pastor and share memories of milestones celebrated within the church walls. Some called for a thorough investigation into how the lease dispute was handled, arguing that proper legal procedures should have been followed before any demolition took place.
As the dust settles, the pastor and his congregation now face the difficult task of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally, after watching years of dedication reduced to rubble in a matter of hours.