Reverend Lihanda blames registrar of societies for delayed elections

By Jabali Media

Pentecostal Assemblies of Kenya (PAG) Church General Superintendent (GS) Patrick Lihanda has distanced himself from claims of stalling the religious outfit’s electoral process. 

Addressing the press in his office at the Nyang’ori Mission headquarters on Monday, Lihanda blamed the registrar of societies, Goretti Nyariki for allegedly having a hand in the delayed electoral process.

“The situation we are in today as a Church has not been caused by General Superintendent Patrick Lihanda. It has been caused by the registrar of societies,” he said.

According to the GS, a court ruling in July directed the Church to conduct elections within 60 days, with a leeway for 30 days extension.

On 18th July, Lihanda said, he issued a notice to have elections for two days – August 29th and 30th, but the registrar reportedly only gave an okay of one day – August 30th.

On the material day, the process went on smoothly but could not go beyond the nomination stage, as Kenneth Adiara emerged the winner after garnering 1,670 votes, against Dr Christopher Kilasi’s 1,288. Lihanda got 1,040 votes.

After nominations, Lihanda says the registrar, ‘by word of mouth’ directed them to have elections for the new GS conducted on September 17.

“Remember the court had given us only 60 days, which were ending on 11th September. According to the directive by the court, the registrar was supposed to give an extension of 30 days,” Lihanda stated.

“I have written to her severally, she has not given an extension nor has she responded. I have not refused to issue a notice for elections. I will do so immediately if the registrar provides a clear written communication on when to hold elections.” 

We reached out to the registrar via a phone call on Tuesday afternoon, and this was her response: “Tell him to tell you the truth. Just tell him to tell you the truth. He knows all the truth.”

Some leaders, led by PAG General Administrator Patrick Oyondi, had earlier on Monday indicated that elections of the new GS will be held on October 01, 2024.

“The church Council in its wisdom has decided to ensure that we have this election on time as the court order directed,” said Oyondi.

“Therefore, I want to urge every stakeholder, please let us remain peaceful as we prepare to come here to elect the GS, General Secretary and General Treasurer of the Church,” he added.

However, Lihanda denounced the announcement, saying that as the GS, he is the only one mandated to issue a notice for elections.

He said he is willing to peacefully hand over power to whoever will be elected in accordance with the PAG Church’s constitution.