Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the brutal killing of Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, describing the slain PCEA minister as a courageous servant of God who dedicated his life to family, community service and the church.
Gachagua spoke during a memorial service for Rev. Ndumia held at PCEA Macedonia Baraka Parish in Nairobi, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the cleric who was killed at his home last week by suspected criminals.
Quoting the Bible verse John 11:25-26, Gachagua sought to comfort the family and Christians mourning the priest, saying faith in God gives believers hope beyond death.
The former Deputy President described Rev. Ndumia, the Parish Minister of PCEA Tabuga Parish under the Nakuru East Presbytery, as a humble, honest and God-fearing man who served the church faithfully.
“At the memorial service, the late Ndumia was hailed as a humble and courageous man of God who was honest, God-fearing and a man with family and community service at heart,” Gachagua said.
He said the cleric would be remembered for his forthrightness and dedication to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA).
Gachagua also issued a strong warning to criminals targeting religious leaders, saying attacks on men of God were unacceptable.
“To the criminals who continue to attack the men of God and the Church of Christ, please know that God is not a man. His justice does not stand trial,” he said.
The killing of Rev. Ndumia has sparked outrage among Christians and leaders, with concerns emerging over rising insecurity and attacks targeting clergy and worship centres in parts of the country.
Gachagua conveyed his condolences to the family, friends, relatives and the wider Christian community, saying he was praying for them during the difficult period of mourning.
“May Almighty God rest the soul of Rev. Ndumia in peace and perpetual light shine upon him forever,” he said.
According to reports, Rev. Ndumia was killed on the night of Thursday, May 1, after assailants reportedly stormed his residence while he was resting with his family after returning from church duties. The attackers are said to have violently assaulted the cleric before stealing several household items and fleeing, in an incident that shocked members of the clergy, residents and the wider Christian community. Security agencies have since launched investigations into the killing.
