A section of Runda residents in Kenya are opposing the construction of a nine-storey church by self-styled prophet David Owuor's Repentance and Holiness Ministry. The church plans to be built along Kwaheri Road in the affluent suburb. Residents have written to Kiambu's County Executive Committee member for Lands, Salome Wainaina, objecting to the proposed church construction project. They cite flooding risks, traffic congestion, security risks, noise pollution, and zoning incompatibility as reasons why the facility should not be built.
The Repentance and Holiness Ministry acquired a three-acre plot of land in Runda from coffee plantation owners and intends to build a church. The plan triggered pushback from residents who held a consultative meeting with the county government and Dr. Owuor's ministry on August 26. A public participation meeting was also held on October 22. During these meetings, Dr. Owuor's ministry shared architectural drawings and related documents with stakeholders. The county government has since suspended development of the land until a consent is reached with Runda residents.
Thirteen institutions representing over 100 Kwaheri Road residents have filed a formal objection to the church project. They argue that architectural drawings do not address several issues that will disturb their peace and welfare. The residents claim that the proposed nine-storey church will interfere with the privacy of neighbors and block natural light for adjacent homes. They also argue that the height of the proposed church will ruin the outlook, character, and residential amenity of the area.
Urban Lines Consultants Ltd, hired by Dr. Owuor's ministry, argued that the project site lies within a mixed-use development area designated by the county government. The consultant claimed that the area already has medium-density residential developments. However, objectors maintain that the area is intended for low-density single-dwelling residential use. According to the approved Kiambu Sub-County Integrated Strategic Development Plan (2020-2030), the proposed project site is located within zone 1F, designated for mixed-use development.
Runda residents also expressed concerns about flooding, stating that the proposed building can cause rainwater to flow off the site and affect neighboring buildings. They argue that Dr. Owuor's ministry has not provided acceptable stormwater drainage plans. Additionally, they claim that the land is not connected to any public sewer line, and no viable plan has been provided to treat wastewater from the expected congregation.
The residents also fear that the church and its congregants will cause noise pollution, especially during nighttime activities. They argue that Kwaheri Road is approximately nine meters wide, which is not sufficient to accommodate existing residents and the masses expected to congregate in the proposed church. Dr. Owuor's church argues that there are already other religious institutions in the area, but residents say exceptions granted to non-residential institutions do not mean that Dr. Owuor's church should also be entitled to go against the area's zoning and aesthetic structure.
The county government has suspended development of the land until a consent is reached with Runda residents. Kiambu CEC for Lands, Ms. Wainaina, directed that no development should take place until the issues raised by residents are addressed. Residents are adamant that the proposed church construction project should not be allowed to proceed without addressing their concerns.
Key points
- Runda residents object to Prophet Owuor's nine-storey church plan due to flooding risks and zoning incompatibility.
- The proposed church construction project has been suspended by the county government until a consent is reached with Runda residents.
- Residents claim that the proposed church will interfere with the privacy of neighbors and block natural light for adjacent homes.
