At Gamalenga Village in Vihiga County, the African Divine Church (ADC) stands as a proud symbol of faith, freedom, and African identity. Founded in December 1949 by Saul Chabuga, the ADC emerged during the final years of colonial Kenya as a homegrown spiritual movement, bridging Christianity and traditional African values. From humble beginnings in a small village chapel, the church evolved into a major religious institution across East Africa, with branches in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Its headquarters, located just off the Kisumu–Kakamega Road, remains a vibrant center of worship and a pilgrimage site for thousands of followers.
The story of the ADC is inseparable from the legacy of Bishop Saul Chabuga Chamwama, who led the church until 1970. His defiance of colonial-era missionary domination birthed a movement that reclaimed spiritual autonomy for Africans. Initially rejected by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada—where he once served as a local leader—Chabuga’s resistance sparked a rift that eventually led to the founding of the African Divine Church. Accused of aligning with the outlawed Dini ya Msambwa sect, Chabuga endured arrest and police surveillance but remained steadfast in his mission to establish a church that embodied both biblical faith and African cultural identity.
The African Divine Church blends modern biblical teachings with traditional practices—from rhythmic drumming and Isukuti dancing to prayers for healing and community well-being. The church’s followers, clad in white and red robes, symbolize purity, unity, and devotion. Beyond worship, ADC has expanded into education and social development, managing over 60 primary schools and youth programs that nurture moral and spiritual growth. With every Friday gathering of song, dance, and testimony, Gamalenga echoes with the enduring rhythm of faith that began more than seven decades ago.
