What began as a typical day at Kipsangui Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church quickly turned into a public outcry.
With palm branches in one hand and placards in the other, congregants marched outside their sanctuary in protest, chanting hymns not of praise—but of protest.
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Their message was sharp and unwavering:
“This is our pastor. You don’t replace a pastor like a broken bulb.”
Pastor Reassigned, Congregants Blindsided
The uproar centers around the sudden, unexplained transfer of Pastor Stanly Mukoto, a longtime spiritual leader and counselor in the Kipsangui community.
His reassignment, announced without official documentation or a formal introduction of his successor, has left the faithful both confused and betrayed.
“We woke up to rumors. No letter. No ceremony. No respect,” said Geoffrey Mukanzi, the church’s secretary. “This goes against the spirit and structure of the PAG constitution. It’s unacceptable.”
Mukanzi insists that according to PAG Kenya guidelines, any transfer of clergy must be transparent, consultative, and respectful of the congregation’s spiritual well-being.
So far, no communication has come from the regional office—no reason, no replacement, and no dialogue.
Voices of the Faithful
For many, Pastor Mukoto is not just a preacher—he is a father figure, a friend, a counselor in moments of grief, and a leader during crisis.
“This man has buried our loved ones, prayed over our sick, blessed our children, and stood with us in the darkest hours,” said Mama Dorcas Wekesa, one of the longest-serving members.
“Then one day, he’s just… gone?”
The scene outside the church was peaceful but deeply emotional. Some wept. Others knelt in prayer. All shared a sense of loss—and a determination to be heard.
Boycott of Women’s Ministry Week Looms
The protest has cast a dark cloud over the church’s Women’s Ministry Week, a sacred annual event on the PAG calendar that was set to kick off this week.
But in Kipsangui, it’s all but paralyzed.
“We will not participate under these conditions,” said one women’s leader. “You cannot expect order when there is confusion from the top.”
Others echoed that unless church leadership addresses the issue directly, the boycott will stand.
Tension Between Pulpit and Policy
This isn’t the first time congregants have expressed concern about what they call ‘rotational disregard’—frequent pastor transfers with no explanation.
While pastoral rotation is not uncommon in Pentecostal governance, worshippers argue that the process has become increasingly arbitrary and impersonal.
“This isn’t a factory,” Mukanzi said. “These are souls. These are families. A pastor is not a product you switch out when it suits you.”
The Bigger Picture: Church Transparency in Question
Religious scholars warn that incidents like this—left unresolved—risk damaging trust in the broader institution.
“Faith communities thrive on relationship,” says Dr. Miriam Njoki, a lecturer in Religious Studies.
“When decisions feel top-down and opaque, it breeds resistance—not rebellion, but a cry for dignity.”
According to Kenya’s Interfaith Survey 2023, over 70% of congregants in rural churches feel “disconnected from decision-making processes” within their denominations.
Call for Dialogue, Not Division
Despite their anger, congregants say they are not out to break ranks—they simply want clarity, respect, and voice.
They have issued an appeal for dialogue with regional and national PAG leadership, calling for a sit-down meeting and an official explanation of Pastor Mukoto’s transfer.
“We’re willing to listen,” Mama Dorcas said. “But we will not be ignored.”
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