[Source: Daily Nation, by Brian Ocharo]
A land dispute pitting Mombasa-based televangelist Wilfred Lai of the Jesus Celebration Centre against squatters, some of whom also happen to be members of his church, has spilled into the courts with each party accusing the other of invading the suit property.
The dispute now puts at stake the church’s Sh1.2 billion investments as the squatters have moved to court accusing JCC of encroachment. In the case filed in Mombasa, the squatters want the church to surrender part of the property.
The church is one of the biggest in Mombasa. The squatters maintained that part of the 50-acre parcel was not sold to Bishop Lai.
The JCC counters that it bought the land more than 20 years ago and that over time, it has put up various facilities worth Sh1.2 billion, which are under threat following continued invasion by the squatters.
The church says it acquired the land in 2003 and 1999 but after building a church and other facilities, it left some parts undeveloped.
The JCC said in suit papers that it had built a church with sitting capacity of 30,000 and associated amenities, a secondary and primary school and a pre-unit facility.
In an affidavit, Mr Kimeu said that the squatters had invaded and taken over grounds that the church uses to hold night prayers and if they are not stopped, they are likely to interfere and destroy many social amenities.
Last month, church members held protests against the squatters, whom they accused of planning to grab their land.
They said the invasion took place on October 13 when they suddenly discovered structures being built on the land.
They claim the land was bought by the church, under the Redeemed Gospel Church, for Sh20 million more than 20 years ago.
[Full article: Daily Nation, by Brian Ocharo]
