Nairobi, Kenya — Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, a prominent figure in Nairobi’s religious community, is currently undergoing treatment following an unfortunate incident that unfolded earlier today. According to her account, she was beaten and roughed up by security officers who forcefully invaded the premises of her church.
The Disturbing Events
The Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM) church, located within Nairobi’s Central Business District, became the scene of chaos as officers from various units descended upon it. Bishop Wanjiru, a former Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant, expressed shock and disbelief as part of her church property was demolished during the altercation.
Speaking to the media, Bishop Wanjiru lamented, “I wasn’t campaigning to be repaid like this. I wasn’t campaigning for land grabbers to come and start claiming that our church property is their property.” Her frustration was palpable as she revealed that she felt betrayed by the very government she had campaigned for.
Government Involvement Suspected
Bishop Wanjiru, who had actively supported President William Ruto’s government, now suspects government involvement in the demolition. “They have seized our properties, and they have beaten us. In fact, I have to go to the hospital for treatment,” she stated. The sudden demolition has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the action. The bishop wondered aloud, “If anybody in the Kenya Kwanza government can touch my properties, how about the ordinary person who has nobody to help them?”
Legal Feud and Past Rulings
The roots of this conflict trace back to a feud over the construction of a wall between Kenya Railways’ land and Bishop Wanjiru’s church. The former Member of Parliament claimed that the ongoing development was blocking access to several lanes, including Railway Lane, Exchange Lane, Weruga Lane, and Haile Selassie Avenue.
However, in 2020, Justice Lucy Kimongoi ruled that Bishop Wanjiru had not sufficiently proven that the development encroached upon her properties. The judge found that the balance of convenience favored Kenya Railways Corporation, which owns the land. Consequently, the petitioners’ request to order Kenya Railways to demolish the wall was dismissed.
Uncertain Future
As Bishop Wanjiru receives medical attention, the situation remains tense. The demolition of part of her church property has left her community in shock and disbelief. Questions linger about the government’s role and the rights of ordinary citizens when faced with similar challenges.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even those who actively participate in the political process can find themselves at odds with the very institutions they once supported. As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of Nairobi remain fixed on the aftermath of this church invasion and the well-being of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.
