Kirinyaga Churches Count Heavy Losses After Thieves Break In and Steal Equipment Worth KSh 950,000

Police in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, have launched investigations following a series of church break-ins that have left worshippers shocked and worried.

The incidents happened in Riakiania area, where thieves reportedly targeted three different churches and made away with expensive musical and sound equipment valued at nearly KSh 950,000.

Church leaders who addressed journalists on Saturday, May 2, said the criminals appeared well-organized and focused mainly on stealing electronic equipment used during worship services.

Among the items stolen were microphones, mixers, keyboards, pianos, and other church sound system devices that are important during Sunday services and church events.

At Fountain of Life Church International in Riakiania, church official Peter Munene explained that the thieves gained access to the building through a window before breaking into a strong room where the equipment had been stored safely.

According to Munene, the suspects stole microphones, mixers, and other valuable items estimated to be worth more than KSh 200,000.

Munene also revealed a shocking detail that surprised many church members. He said the intruders reportedly drank a bottle of communion wine before leaving the church premises.

The incident has left believers deeply disturbed, with many describing the act as disrespectful and painful to the Christian community.

“They entered through the window and managed to access the room where we keep our equipment. They carried away several electronic items, and before leaving they even drank communion wine,” Munene told the press.

Another church that suffered major losses was St Joseph Riakiania Catholic Church. Vice chairman Harrison Mbirui said the thieves forcefully entered the church compound through the main gate during the night when heavy rains were falling in the area.

Mbirui explained that the bad weather may have helped the criminals carry out the operation without attracting attention because most residents were indoors asleep. He said the gang stole microphones, mixers, a piano, PMC kits, and several other items worth more than KSh 500,000.

“They took advantage of the rain and darkness when everyone was asleep. By the time we discovered the incident, they had already escaped with the equipment,” Mbirui said.

ACK Riakiania Church was also attacked in the same wave of thefts. Church member Flosy Wambui Murimi said electronics worth over KSh 250,000 were stolen from the church.

She confirmed that the matter had already been reported to officers at Baricho Police Station, who later visited the church to begin investigations.

Wambui expressed concern over the increasing cases of church theft in the area, questioning where the stolen church equipment was being taken and who could be buying such items.

“We are wondering where these people are taking church equipment and who is purchasing it from them. Police officers have already visited the church after we reported the matter,” she said.

The incidents have caused fear and frustration among church leaders and residents, especially because the criminals seem to be targeting only churches and worship equipment.

Religious leaders now fear that services may be disrupted because most of the equipment used for praise, worship, and communication has been stolen.

Some leaders said they were uncertain how Sunday services would continue without microphones, speakers, and musical instruments.

One church official emotionally stated that worshippers might be forced to conduct services without instruments and simply clap their hands.

“We honestly do not know how tomorrow’s service will happen. We may just end up clapping our hands because almost everything has been stolen,” the church leader said.

The affected churches are now calling on security agencies to speed up investigations and arrest those responsible.

Residents have also appealed for increased night patrols and tighter security around churches and other public institutions to prevent more incidents from happening.

Police are continuing with investigations as locals hope the stolen property will be recovered and the suspects brought to justice.

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