KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Concern is growing in Kirinyaga County following a series of church break-ins targeting places of worship operating without security guards, with thieves stealing electronic equipment and disrupting religious activities.
The latest incident occurred at PCEA Karii Church in Kangai Ward, Mwea Constituency, where burglars broke into the church on Friday night and made away with electronic equipment valued at approximately Sh500,000.
Among the stolen items were a mixer, two keyboards and their adaptors, as well as microphone batteries.
Church elder James Kamau said the burglars also broke into the tithe box but left empty-handed after finding no money inside.
The break-in was discovered after church pianist Misheck Mwangi was called to the premises and found that the building had been vandalised, according to church registrar Joseph Gichira.
“We have no watchman. It is sad they are carrying even old items, yet we had just bought new ones in May after fundraising by the youth,” Gichira said.
The loss has raised concerns among church members, particularly because the equipment had been acquired only recently through fundraising efforts by the youth.
More churches targeted
The PCEA Karii incident is the latest in a series of reported attacks on churches in the county.
Kangai Ward MCA James Njiru Wambu said an attempted break-in was reported at Nyaga Catholic Church on Wednesday night, although the suspects failed to gain entry.
The latest incident also follows two church break-ins reported last week in Kirinyaga Central, where the affected churches were also reportedly operating without watchmen.
At ACK Gatuto Church, thieves reportedly stole electronic equipment valued at about Sh500,000, disrupting church services.
At AIPCA St Phillips Giacai Church, burglars allegedly ransacked the altar and consumed Holy Communion elements and church wine during the incident.
The string of attacks has heightened concerns over the security of churches, particularly those without night guards or other security measures.
Churches seek increased police patrols
The PCEA Karii break-in has been reported at Kangai Police Station, with investigations expected to focus on identifying those behind the theft and recovering the stolen equipment.
Church leaders are now calling for increased police night patrols in the affected areas to deter further attacks and improve the security of places of worship.
They have also pointed to the proximity of Mwea and Kirinyaga Central to the tarmacked Kutus–Kagio road, saying the road network could provide criminals with easier access to targeted churches and escape routes after committing offences.
The incidents have also renewed calls for churches to strengthen their own security arrangements, including employing night watchmen and improving the protection of valuable electronic equipment.
