•In the ensuing melee, the church guard alerted police officers based at Kileleshwa police station.
•Upon arrival, the contingent managed to contain the situation even as the two factions continued with the fighting.
Two men were arrested with pistols and bullets during a battle over the leadership of Lavington Methodist church in Nairobi.
DCI director George Kinoti said on Saturday that - Kisito Matete 43, and Peter Murasi 36 - were part of a rival team at the centre of the wrangle.
The church was turned into a battlefield as two factions of clergymen went for each others’ throats.
In a vicious battle, bitter exchange of words were exchanged as the rival factions fought for control of the sanctuary.
One group led by the incoming bishop reverend Joseph Kanyamu forcefully gained entry into the church.
"Accompanied by over 60 congregants, they broke church glass doors, in a bid to eject bishop Joseph Ntombura whose term had expired," Kinoti said.
In the ensuing melee, the church guard alerted police officers based at Kileleshwa police station.
Upon arrival, the contingent managed to contain the situation even as the two factions continued with the fighting.
Matete and Murasi who were from Reverend Kanyamu’s side were found to be armed with glock semi automatic pistols.
The pistols were loaded with a total of 29 bullets of 9mm callibre.
They were disarmed, arrested and escorted to Kilimani police station where they’re currently being held.
"The church remains under 24-hour police surveillance, until the standoff between the two rival factions is addressed," Kinoti added.