Leadership Dynamics on Peaceful Transitions of Power During Elections in African Inland Church, Soy Sub-County, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of leadership dynamics on the peaceful transition of power in the Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Soy sub-county, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya. The study looks at how leadership dynamics affect the transfer of elective power in the church. The following objectives guide the study: to evaluate biblical and theological foundations of leadership dynamics, to explore leadership dynamics that influences peaceful transitions of power in the AIC, to evaluate provisions in the church constitution on leadership dynamics in peaceful transitions of power in the AIC, and to find measures to enhance peaceful transitions of power in the AIC.  The study was confined to AIC churches in Soy sub-county, Uasin-Gishu County. Servant leadership and conflict resolution theories are used to explain leadership dynamics and peaceful governance. The target population was 6400 and the sampling size was 238. A descriptive research design was used.  Purposive and stratified sampling were used to select participants. Data collection instruments included questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data was analysed using SPSS Version 21.0. The data was analysed, organised, and presented thematically according to the study's objectives. The study reveals that the church experience conflicts during the election of leaders and power transitions due to dynamisms in leadership. The researcher recommends that church leadership adopt a biblically acceptable model of leadership.