Worshippers at ACK Kithara-ini Church in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, were left astounded upon discovering a burglary that occurred at their place of worship. Intruders broke into the church during the night, absconding with property valued at over Ksh 300,000.
Reverend Susan Murimi, the vicar overseeing the Katharaini-Ichang’i Parish, reported that the stolen items included three microphones, two speakers, and amplifier systems, all of which had been acquired just the previous year.
“I am increasingly concerned about what will transpire during next Sunday’s service,” Reverend Susan remarked.
“The absence of the public address system has become almost a syndrome—when it is missing, attendees stand, refrain from singing, and do not engage in prayer. The church service becomes exceedingly dull.”
Elizabeth Gatembu, a church worker, was the first to notice the break-in.
She arrived early to clean and prepare the church for workers involved in ongoing construction. Upon discovering the church door ajar, she promptly informed the church secretary, who subsequently alerted Reverend Susan.
“I had come to clean and open the church when I found the door open,” Gatembu recounted.
“I quickly notified the secretary, who then contacted the Reverend, and she arrived immediately.”
Church treasurer Mwangi Wambiri reported the incident to Gathoge Police Station, and detectives from Kianyaga Police Station responded swiftly to the scene. Wambiri expressed increasing concerns regarding the rising instances of insecurity in the area. “We suspect that the thieves are from this locality,” he stated.
“They have been stealing livestock, and now they have begun to target churches.”
Reverend Susan echoed these concerns, highlighting that the community is now apprehensive that churches have become prime targets for criminal activity.
“It is deeply troubling that individuals in this area are not only targeting the community but are also vandalizing church property,” she lamented. “They broke the door, stole items, and even took the padlock. This is a destructive act.”
Local police in Gichugu Sub-County confirmed that investigations into the theft are ongoing.
Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant as they continue to probe the rise in criminal activities targeting places of worship.
