KIRINYAGA – Congregants of the All Saints Anglican Church in Gatwe, Kirinyaga County, were met with a disturbing scene Tuesday morning after thieves broke into their sanctuary overnight stealing sacred items and tying up the night watchman.
The intruders made off with five bottles of altar wine, sacramental bread, three television sets and the church’s sound system. The estimated loss exceeds one million Kenyan shillings, according to church officials.
Church priest Rev. David Warui said the theft came as a shock. “We had a normal service on Monday,” he told reporters outside the church, “but this morning we were alerted by someone who heard shouting and prayer from inside. It turned out to be the watchman, tied up and left on the floor.”
The man, who had been guarding the church overnight, was found bound with ropes but reportedly unharmed. Police were called to the scene and have launched an investigation.
News of the break-in has drawn sharp condemnation from churchgoers and local leaders. “This is not just theft,” said one visibly upset congregant. “It’s a desecration. We hope those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.”
Tuesday’s incident marks the latest in a troubling pattern of thefts targeting churches across the county. Just three weeks ago, another Anglican Church in Mwea was raided. In that case, too, the intruders reportedly consumed church wine and sacramental bread before fleeing with equipment.
Security has become a growing concern for local faith communities. Church leaders are calling on authorities to step up patrols and improve protection for places of worship, especially during overnight hours.
“This is sacred ground,” said Rev. Warui. “If people no longer fear breaking into a church, it speaks volumes about where we are as a society.”
Police say they are following leads in both cases, but no arrests had been made by the time of publication.
