Church demands prosecution of parliamentary speaker Kumba before East African court

JUBA, JULY 23, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Christ Church Nakasongola on Sunday demanded the prosecution of South Sudan’s parliament speaker, Jemma Nunu Kumba, in the East African Court of Justice over what he called an unlawful demolition of God’s house.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Juba on Sunday, Rev. Michael Kenyi Lemi, General Overseer in Bishop’s office of Christ Church Nakasongola, said Kumba should face the law at the East African court because she can derail South Sudan laws at will anytime.

“Therefore, we demand Nunu Kumba to face the law in East African Court of Justice since the laws made are corrupt, unprincipled and can be abrogated, derailed or violated any time at her will,” he told journalists.

He claimed the forceful and unlawful demolition of the church on 4 July 2023 which left two people dead, and four others injured was carried out under the directive of the South Sudan parliament’s speaker.

“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) stated that the church committee that visited the area indicated that Jemma Nunu Kumba is fully responsible for the demolition of the church, but he (IGP) only executed the order,” he said.

The land on which Christ Church Nakasongola is located next to Dr. John Garang De Mabior Mausoleum is contested by the church and the parliament.

Kenyi refuted claims that parliament, which claims ownership of the land, won a court battle in East African Court of Justice.

“It is shameful that the parliament is fabricating falsehood and claiming that Christ Church Nakasongola was compensated, and money was paid. We call upon the parliament to publish payment vouchers, name the bank where the said money was paid,” he said.

The cleric further said that the church has been in this location for at least 40 years and “will not move anywhere.”

Christ Nakasongola Church is among oldest churches in Juba, and it was established by late Bishop Jambo Nulla during the regime of Sudanese dictator Gen. Jafer Mohamed Numeiri.

On 8 July 2022, the Church sued parliament at East African Court of Justice over the land dispute, but the parliament is yet to fill their defense.

The same land was previously contested by SPLM Central Equatoria State Secretariat, Anna Kaku and State Governor Emmanuel  Adil Anthony who also ordered the forceful eviction of the church last year.