The Church was founded by David Zakayo Kivuli, who belonged to a small clan which though integrated into Bantu society was Nilotic in origin, being on the border of Luo and Luhya territory.
The Pentecostals preached a simple message of individual salvation with a moment of conversion with a subsequent 'receiving of the Spirit'.
David Zakayo Kivuli was born about 1896 and came from a polygamous family living at Gimarakwa, only four mile from Nyang'ori.
He enrolled at Nyang'ori mission school during the First World War (in 1914) in order to avoid enlistment into the Carrier Corps.
This varied experience, together with some further education at the Jeanes School at Kabete (Nairobi), gave him a broad outlook which reached beyond tribal limitations, and a considerable knowledge, if also some suspicions, of European ways and thought.
Many signs and wonders occurred, and his confession of sins and worship in public places which contradicted the teachings of the missionaries made it clear that he was not operating under the Pentecostal Church.
During that time he heard a voice like thunder and God commanded him not to shave his beard and to take the name of Paul.
Kivuli and his followers established a good reputation of being people who were 'loyal and harmless, pay taxes promptly, and are amenable to discipline’.
It is customary for both men and women members to process to church in ankle length white dresses, accompanied with a flag and drum.
The services are spontaneous with the leader very much in charge, and they follow a general pattern of prayer, exhortation, much noisy singing, and public confession leading to possession.
That this is true means, God approaches or sends his wonderful message to his people, to reform his relationship of his glory to men of the world.
The church grew rapidly among the Luo and Luhya of western Kenya and spread into neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda.
By 1970 Kivuli led perhaps 100,000 followers; his church had one hundred branches and was accepted as a probationary member of the National Christian Council of Kenya.
There is a strong moral obligation to pay an annual subscription which helps maintain the centre at Nineveh.
The Sunday service is one of thanksgiving for redemption into the saved community, and non members are encouraged to come and join in.
In 1950 the Muolo Roho Israel Church, founded by Bishop Yona Atiang, split form the AICN over food taboos.
Holy Communion is celebrated with a scripture reading, no food being necessary since Jesus already gave his body on the cross for the faithful.
In 1960, the founder, Mr James Kasibo, who was formerly of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God and later of AICN, had a serious illness accompanied by a vision.
In 1962, Mr Paul Omumbo Achola split from the AICN, and eventually in 1970 set up his own body under Luo leadership, supported generously from his own resources.
In 1965 an independent group of Luo and Luhya members split off from the RICG in a dispute over leadership to form the East African Church Roho Israel.
Also in 1965 Bishop Paulo Masambu led a split from AICN, to form the Sinai Church of East Africa, stressing the need for more educated leadership training.
The AINC holds the Trinitarian doctrine, and believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ and his final judgment.
Infants are dedicated on their eighth day by the local pastor and given Christian names by their parents or guardians.
In the realm of Christian ethics, all members are expected to practice monogamy, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and adopt simple styles of dress.