Police investigating series of church robberies in Kirinyaga county

The intruders reportedly consumed sacramental wine, ate communion bread, and stole property worth hundreds of thousands of shillings.

Staff at ACK All Saints Church in Gatwe were left in shock on Monday morning after arriving at the sanctuary and discovering that the doors had been forcibly opened.

According to church officials, the suspected robbers caused extensive damage to the premises before making away with valuables.

David Warui, Reverend at ACK All Saints Church, said: “Waliingia kwa ofisi wakachukua wine chupa tano, wakachukua screens, walienda mixer ambayo inatumika…”

Church authorities estimate the stolen items to be worth approximately KSh 722,700.

Warui condemned the act, urging the culprits to reflect on their actions and turn away from wrongdoing.

“Hii sio kitu ya kawaida na ombi letu ni wabadilike, wajirudi. Matendo wametenda sio ya kufurahisha Mungu.”

It was also revealed that the suspects tied up the church watchman and held him captive for several hours before he was rescued.

Cyrus Njue, a congregant, said: “Jirani wakaniambia kuna mtu anapiga kelele kwa kanisa, kwa sababu funguo za kanisa ziko kwangu… nikapata watchman amefungwa miguu na mikono…”

The incident has sparked outrage among congregants, who have condemned the desecration of the church.

Rose Kabue, a congregant, said: “Sijawahi fikiria hivi, hii kitendo sio mzuri… ni laana wanachukulia… hii tabia wakome…”

David Kimenju, Chairman of ACK All Saints Church, added: “Kunywa divai ni mbaya sana, ni jambo hatujawahi ona… hii imezidi…”

This is the fifth reported incident of a church break-in in Kirinyaga County within the past three months, raising concern among residents and religious leaders.

Police say investigations are ongoing as they pursue leads to apprehend the culprits behind the attacks