Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the killing of Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, demanding answers from police over the murder of the PCEA minister.
Gachagua described the killing of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Tabuga Parish minister in Nakuru East Presbytery as “cold-blooded” and raised concerns over the safety of clergy and worshippers in the country.
“The brutal murder of an anointed man of God is not only callous to the extreme but raises serious questions about the security of our shepherds and indeed the Kenyan public,” he said.
Gachagua linked the killing to what he described as increasing attacks against the church, claiming some incidents had involved criminals allegedly protected by the state.
He cited recent disturbances at PCEA Mwiki and PCEA Kariobangi churches, where he alleged worshippers were attacked by goons backed by police officers, saying the incidents had “sent shivers down the spines of PCEA church members.”
The former deputy president questioned the slow pace of investigations into Rev. Ndumia’s death, noting that police had not issued a statement or announced any arrests four days after the killing.
“Who killed Rev. Ndumia and why?” Gachagua posed, suggesting the cleric could have been targeted for speaking against corruption, poor governance and human rights violations.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the murder and outline measures being taken to protect clergy and places of worship.
“We urge him to give an assurance to PCEA Parish Ministers of their safety and that freedom of worship and expression guaranteed by the Constitution will be protected,” he said.
Gachagua also called on the leadership of the PCEA church to strongly condemn what he termed as “obvious persecution” of the church.
The former deputy president further raised alarm over a series of break-ins at churches, saying valuables were being stolen “with impunity,” and urged police to move swiftly to stop the incidents.
The killing of Rev. Ndumia comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and attacks targeting religious institutions in different parts of the country. Police had not publicly responded to Gachagua’s claims by Thursday evening.
