The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has reversed its decision to suspend four religious leaders who were prohibited from ministering in their pulpits.
Among those affected by the suspension were Pastor Elizabeth Mokoro, Kenneth Maina, Evangelist Shaban Ndege, Evangelist Millicent Odhiambo, and Evangelist Lantena.
A notice issued on July 4th by the SDA Kenya Coast field initially instructed members not to allow these individuals to minister in their branches.
The directive, signed by Pastor Eliab Ombuoro, the executive secretary, cited compliance with a decision from the East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) without specifying the grounds for the suspensions.
The notice emphasized that the five were prohibited from conducting any church services within or outside the Kenya Coast field territory.
Pastor Ombuoro referenced the EKUC action number 24EXCOM-055 to support the decision, stressing the importance of adhering to the directive.
Despite the initial communication, it was reported to different media houses on Thursday July 11, 2024 that the letter had been rescinded.
Attempts to contact Pastor Ombuoro for clarification on the matter were unsuccessful as calls to him went unanswered.
The decision to lift the suspension follows a period of controversy and uncertainty within the SDA community regarding the status of the affected leaders.
The reasons behind the initial ban remain undisclosed, leaving many members curious about the circumstances surrounding the reversal.
The SDA Church decision to recall the suspension suggests a reconsideration of its earlier stance, possibly reflecting internal discussions or external pressures.
The reinstatement of Pastor Mokoro and the others indicates a resolution to the disagreement that prompted their temporary removal from ministerial duties.
How citizens reacted towards pastor Mokoro’s ban;
“From Gen Z to church leaders, they both don’t want other peoples opinion.”
“People don’t want to hear the truth anymore.”
Additionally others said that; ” the Bible prohibits women from preaching in church.”
Another netizen stated that ” Mokoro naye hukua my greatest teacher, if she is banned because of what she is preaching then the SDAs are hypocrites.”
