MCK Laity Fellowship Demands Governance Reforms in Church Leadership

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) Laity Fellowship has called for sweeping governance reforms, greater accountability, and an end to leadership wrangles within the church saying the institution risks losing public confidence if longstanding disputes are not resolved.

In a six-page communiqué issued at the end of its Spiritual Revival Convention held in Mombasa on Saturday August 1, 2026, the fellowship said it wanted to see a reformed Methodist Church that is aligned with 21st-century realities with lay members fully recognised in church governance alongside ordained clergy.

The fellowship argued that although lay members play a critical role in the church, they have historically been excluded from decision-making and leadership structures.

It said the Wesleyan principle of the “priesthood of all believers” requires clergy and laity to serve as equal partners in ministry, governance and leadership.

The communiqué also called for dignity and integrity in church leadership and urged an end to persistent leadership wrangles at the church’s conference office.

On governance, the fellowship claimed that efforts to amend the church’s Deed of Church Order had been frustrated by court cases and internal resistance, preventing implementation of governance reforms approved by church conferences.

It urged stakeholders to support completion of the constitutional review process and adoption of the amended church order.

The group further advocated for decentralisation through the establishment of regional conferences, saying the move would improve governance, resource distribution, and dispute resolution while strengthening local congregations.

On accountability, the fellowship expressed concern over what it described as inadequate action against corruption, misuse of church resources and alleged financial mismanagement.

It referenced a forensic audit covering the period 2013–2023, claiming it identified significant financial losses, and called for full implementation of its recommendations.

The communiqué also raised concerns over the handling of land in Jomvu, Mombasa, alleging irregular subdivision and disposal of church property.

It urged implementation of recommendations made by the Jomvu Land Inquiry Commission and warned that legal action could follow if no action is taken.

The fellowship further criticised the removal of former Presiding Bishop Rev. Isaiah Deye from office, describing it as unlawful and linked to unproven allegations.

It urged church members to uphold due process and allow disputes to be resolved through established legal and constitutional mechanisms.

Despite the sharp criticism, the fellowship said its objective was not to divide the church but to restore unity through truth, justice and reconciliation.

“We issue this call not to divide, but to restore,” the communiqué states.

“We call on all leaders, delegates and members to turn away from political expedience, honour the rule of law within our Connexional structures, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide the healing of our Church.”