Mwazha’s Death Rekindles Old Fights — Will the African Apostolic Church Survive Its Greatest Test?

By Filbert Kufainyore

The death of Archbishop Ernest Paul Mwazha, the spiritual patriarch of the African Apostolic Church (AAC), has reopened a battle many hoped had been buried: the fierce internal succession wars that shook the church in recent years. Now, as thousands mourn the man they lovingly called Mutumwa, the question stands boldly in front of the congregation — will the church remain united, or will the old wounds split it again?

For decades, Mwazha was the glue that bound millions of believers together. His authority was unquestioned, his word final, and his presence a symbol of divine order. But with his passing, the church faces the very crisis he worked tirelessly to avoid: competing interpretations of succession, family rifts, and rival factions claiming spiritual legitimacy.

Argument 1: His Death Weakens the Church’s Moral Centre

Supporters of this view argue that Mwazha was not just a founder — he was the church’s stabilising force. His charisma, miraculous origin story, and century-long spiritual leadership made him an irreplaceable figure.

Without him:

Leadership legitimacy becomes contested.

Existing factions may intensify their claims.

Congregants may lose confidence in the institution.


Some members fear that the absence of a universally accepted leader opens a dangerous vacuum that could emotionally destabilize believers who relied on Mwazha’s spiritual authority.

Argument 2: The Church Has Faced Internal Turmoil Before — and Survived

Others argue that AAC is stronger than it looks. Even when succession disputes erupted around 2020, splitting supporters between his sons and senior bishops, the core church structure remained intact.

Believers continued to attend gatherings, pilgrimages continued, and the spiritual teachings remained consistent.
Proponents of this argument insist that the movement is built on deep doctrine, not personality alone.

They claim Mwazha’s death is painful — but it does not automatically spell division.

Argument 3: Past Internal Fights Will Likely Resurface Stronger

However, critics disagree. They argue that the past was only calm because the patriarch was alive.
With him gone, unresolved tensions may flare:

Which son or bishop truly represents his spiritual will?

Will courts be dragged back into the matter?

Will factions break into full independence?


Those who hold this view believe Mwazha’s physical presence restrained ambitious leaders. Now, ambitions may expand unchecked.

Argument 4: The Church Could Rebuild Around Doctrine, Not Dynasty

Yet another perspective is that Mwazha’s death offers an opportunity — a moment to redefine leadership based on scripture, council governance, and collective decision-making.

This argument suggests that AAC could transition from a family-led model to a structured institutional leadership, reducing dependence on the Mwazha family and strengthening credibility.

The Psychological Impact on Congregants

Beyond politics, Mwazha’s passing deeply affects believers on a spiritual level.
To many, he was a living symbol of holiness — his miracles, teachings, and longevity were part of their faith identity.

For some members, doubts may arise:

Who will pray for them now?

Will spiritual protection remain the same?

Does the church still carry the same anointing?


Such emotional uncertainty can easily be manipulated by competing leaders.

Conclusion: A Future Hanging in the Balance

The African Apostolic Church stands at a historic crossroads.
Mwazha’s death has created not just a leadership gap, but an ideological battle over identity, legitimacy, and continuity.

Some believe unity will prevail, strengthened by Mwazha’s teachings.
Others warn that without decisive leadership, the church may disintegrate into splinter groups.

Whichever path the church takes, one truth is undeniable: Mwazha’s absence has forced the church to confront the conflicts he kept at bay.
And the decisions made in the coming months will define whether the African Apostolic Church remains a powerful spiritual movement — or becomes another casualty of succession politics.