July 24, 2026
Staff Writer
NAIROBI, Kenya — The church administration of Ameka District, under the Hadiya and Silte Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), has issued an urgent appeal to regional authorities following a violent attack on its property and congregants.
In an official complaint submitted to regional security bureaus and inter-religious councils, the administration reported that assailants destroyed a church facility and severely beat six guards at a site known as “Tagnagna Betara.”
Land Dispute and Allegations of Official Bias
According to the church’s formal statement, a local donor legally provided the land to serve as a place of worship and a burial ground for over 300 Orthodox believers. Historically, the local community had to carry coffins over 20 kilometers to reach the nearest cemetery before acquiring this property.
The church emphasized that the site was legally acquired and constructed at a respectful distance from nearby religious institutions to avoid sound conflicts. However, followers of other faiths subsequently filed complaints with the district peace and security office.
The church’s letter explicitly alleges that the head of the Ameka District Peace and Security Office abused his authority by blocking site development, illegally ordering the demolition of the property’s perimeter fence, and denying the diocese due process.
July 22 Escalation and Demolition
The conflict escalated on July 22, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time, when organized groups attacked six Orthodox followers guarding the grounds.
The church administration reported that the assailants:
- Inflicted severe physical beatings on the six guards on site
- Used sound amplification equipment during the coordinated assault
- Completely demolished the primary building structure on the property
Demands for Legal Action and Protection
In response to the destruction, the Ameka District Church Administration called on local and regional government bodies to enforce the rule of law and guarantee religious freedom.
The church’s formal appeal outlines four core demands:
- Immediate Prosecution: Swift arrest and trial of all individuals involved in the assault and destruction.
- Medical Care and Compensation: Full medical coverage for injured followers and fair financial restitution for damages.
- Reconstruction: Official authorization and support to rebuild the destroyed sanctuary on the site.
- Legal Protection: Guaranteed constitutional protection and equal treatment for Orthodox believers in the district.
The church submitted its formal appeal to the Central Ethiopia Regional State Peace and Security Bureau, the Regional Inter-Religious Council, the Hadiya Zone Peace and Security Directorate, the Zonal Inter-Religious Council, and the Hadiya and Silte Diocese. Regional security officials have not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
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