The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Concerns have been raised by residents of Njathaini and Gituamba villages in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, following a series of break-ins targeting churches, resulting in the theft of valuable property worth millions of shillings.
According to locals, a wave of criminal activities has plagued the area over the past two weeks, with approximately five churches falling victim to robberies. Musical instruments and electronic equipment, valued at millions of shillings, have been reported stolen.
Among the churches affected by the recent spate of robberies are the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), African Inland Church (AIC), and Seventh Day Adventist.
Residents, who are members of these congregations, allege that the perpetrators, armed with crude weapons, have been targeting the churches under the cover of darkness.
John Kigotho, chairman of the ACK church in Njathaini village and a local elder, revealed that his church was burglarized last week, resulting in the theft of a piano and a water dispenser valued at Ksh94,000.
Kigotho suspects the involvement of local youths, whom he accuses of shunning legitimate employment opportunities in favor of engaging in illicit activities. He called for authorities to take action against these individuals and also urged for the closure of a nearby liquor joint, which he claims serves as a hub for criminal activities.
Similarly, at the AIC church in Gituamba village, elder Francis Ndung’u reported that burglars forcibly entered the premises, damaging three doors, and making off with two guitars valued at Ksh70,000.
Ndung’u attributed the rise in crime to idle young men in the area, who prioritize alcohol consumption over lawful endeavors, contributing to a deteriorating security situation.
Despite attempted break-ins, the vigilance of members at the Full Gospel Church in Njathaini prevented any thefts, as valuable equipment had been securely stored outside the premises following prior incidents.
Peter Githua and Anastacia Njeri, members of the church, commended the proactive measures taken to safeguard their property.
Local residents have called upon authorities to step up security measures, including enhanced nighttime patrols, to curb the escalating thefts. They also urged for thorough investigations and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Geoffrey Ng’ang’a of the ACK appealed to law enforcement agencies to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the church robberies, suggesting the existence of a black market for stolen musical instruments and electronics.
