Kirinyaga residents have raised an alarm over a series of coordinated burglaries targeting churches in Ndia Constituency.
Speaking to the media, residents said the thieves have stolen sound equipment and musical instruments worth thousands of shillings, and after raiding, they drink holy communion wine.
“They took away microphones, mixers and other equipment worth over Ksh200,000. They even drank a bottle of communion wine before leaving,” said Munene, one of the church members.
The incidents in Riakiania Ward have affected three churches and left congregations concerned about rising insecurity and the safety of places of worship.
Multiple Churches Hit in Overnight Raids
According to leaders of the affected churches, the attacks take place overnight while residents are asleep.
Affected churches include Fountain of Life Church International, St Joseph Riakiania Catholic Church, and ACK Riakiania Church.
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At Fountain of Life Church International, Peter Munene said the attackers gained entry through a window and then accessed a storage area containing church equipment.
Thieves then took equipment, including microphones, mixers, and other audio equipment, valued at more than Ksh200,000.
Munene also noted the intruders consumed a bottle of communion wine before leaving the premises.
At St Joseph Riakiania Catholic Church, vice chairman Harrison Mbirui said the burglars entered through the main gate and then forced their way into the church building.
The stolen items included microphones, mixers, a piano, PMC kits, and other equipment, with an estimated value of over Ksh500,000.
He said that the attackers took advantage of heavy rains and reduced movement at night.
ACK Riakiania Church was also targeted, with Flosy Wambui Murimi confirming the loss of electronic equipment more than Ksh250,000.
She said the matter had been reported to Baricho Police Station, with officers already visiting the scene as investigations continue.
Churches Losing Essential Worship Equipment in Kirinyaga County
Church officials say the pattern of thefts points to deliberate targeting of sound systems and musical instruments, which are central to modern worship services.
The stolen equipment, including microphones, mixers, keyboards, pianos, and amplification systems, is essential for conducting church services, particularly in congregations that rely heavily on audio technology.
Leaders in the affected churches say the repeated loss of equipment is disrupting worship plans and may force some congregations to scale down services.
In some cases, they warned, churches may be left with no choice but to hold services without microphones or instruments, which would affect participation and worship experience.
“We don’t know what we will use tomorrow, Sunday. Maybe we will just clap our hands,” said one church leader.
Residents have also expressed concern over where the stolen equipment is being taken, with suspicions that there could be a growing market for the resale of church audio systems.
“We are wondering where they are taking church equipment. We have reported the matter to Baricho Police Station, and officers have visited the church,” said Wambui.
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Concerns Over Growing Security and Sacred Space Violations
Similar theft incidents had been reported in other parts of Kirinyaga, including Kariti Ward, two months ago, suggesting a possible pattern targeting religious institutions.
Beyond the equipment losses, the incidents have sparked public outrage due to the reported behavior of the thieves, in taking the holy communion wine during one of the raids.
Church members have described the act as deeply disrespectful, adding a spiritual dimension to the violation of sacred spaces.
