The Moderator of the 24th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Rt. Rev. Patrick Thegu Mutahi has issued a comprehensive apology following a chaotic incident that occurred during a funeral service in Kiangai, which has since attracted widespread public attention and criticism.
In a statement on the church’s TV station on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the moderator confirmed that the burial service in question was conducted under the leadership of PCEA preacher reverend Josephine Gakenia
“I would like to begin by addressing an issue that has been circulating on social media regarding the burial that took place in the Kiangai area, which was led by our pastor, Josephine Gakenia,” he said.
He acknowledged that events on that day went wrong and admitted that certain actions during the funeral did not reflect the standards, values, and conduct expected of the church.
He explained that the service was intended to be a moment of comfort, worship, and farewell for a deceased church member.
However, the situation escalated, leading to scenes that many found unpleasant and distressing. He admitted that things went beyond what was acceptable and stressed that the incident should not have unfolded in the manner it did.
“The burial was meant to be a service of comfort and a farewell to our sister who had passed away, but unfortunately, there were incidents that were unpleasant,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the church, the moderator formally apologised to all those who were affected by the incident, including mourners, the bereaved family, and members of the public who witnessed or later viewed the events online.
“We therefore ask everyone who has heard about this matter and those who were affected to forgive us,” he said.
PCEA’s way of worship
He further emphasised that the conduct witnessed during the Kiangai burial was not representative of the PCEA’s established way of worship or pastoral practice.
According to him, the events of that day were an exception rather than the norm, and the church does not condone actions that undermine dignity, compassion, and order during funeral services.
“Mistakes were made, even though the intention was to hold a service of consolation and to bid farewell to the deceased. However, matters went beyond what was appropriate. I would like to state clearly, on behalf of the church, that this is not our way, and we sincerely ask for forgiveness,” he shared.
While admitting that mistakes were made, the moderator also stated that the church would continue to walk with the preacher involved as a fellow servant of God.
He noted that the church believes in prayer, support, and accountability, even in moments where serious errors have occurred.
“We continue to walk with our pastor as a fellow servant, because the truth is that we are called to pray for one another and to support each other. Even where there are other issues that may need to be addressed, the most important thing is to acknowledge the mistakes that occurred and for people to understand that, as a church, when mistakes happen, we take responsibility for them, as we are required to do,” he said.
In his address, the moderator also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and extended sympathies to colleagues of the deceased, including employees of the bank who were involved in the altercation.
“We also extend our condolences to the bereaved family and convey our sympathies to the bank staff who lost their colleague,” he stated.
The apology comes in the wake of a dramatic confrontation during the Kiangai burial service, where mourners from a popular Kenyan bank sought to present a song in honour of their late colleague.
The request was declined by the presiding preacher, citing church procedure, a decision that led to tension and disrupted the solemnity of the service.
The incident, which was captured on video, was widely shared online, and it later sparked national debates.
