PCEA leaders jailed for defying court orders

By Newsflash Writer

The High Court on Friday, December 19, 2025 jailed Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Secretary General Rev. Dr. Patrick Waihenya and Moderator Rev Patrick Thegu Mutahi for contempt of court after they defied orders barring the installation of David Nderitu Ndumo as the church’s Honorary Treasurer.

Justice Stella Mutuku handed Rev Waihenya a two-month jail term or a Sh150,000 fine, while Rev. Mutahi received a one-month jail sentence or a Sh100,000 fine payable within 30 days. The ruling followed an earlier decision that the two officials deliberately violated injunctions issued on April 8, 2024, which prevented Ndumo’s installation during the PCEA 24th General Assembly held the next day at St Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, an event attended by President William Ruto.

“This court will not take lightly anyone who disregards court orders. A message must be sent to teach those who dare a lesson,” Justice Mutuku said.

Contempt proceedings and integrity concerns

The contempt case was filed by PCEA member Benjamin Njoroge Mburu, who accused the officials of proceeding with Ndumo’s swearing-in despite being served with the court injunction. Justice Mutuku found that both Waihenya and Mutahi were aware of the court order yet participated in or presided over the installation. She noted that as senior church leaders, they were expected to set an example by upholding the law.

Mburu had challenged Ndumo’s nomination, citing integrity concerns. He highlighted an ongoing Cooperative Tribunal case in which Ndumo is accused of defaulting on a Sh74 million loan owed to Sheria Sacco and noted that he is a judgment-debtor with 15 claimants. Mburu further argued that Ndumo’s nomination violated the PCEA Constitution, the church’s election policy, and the Societies Act.

By going to press, the church had not issued any statement.