Residents of Kanjai in Nkomo Ward, Meru County, have set ablaze the African Inland Pentecostal Church (AIPC) following shocking allegations against its pastor, Daniel Mururu.
The 43-year-old cleric is accused of engaging in bizarre cult-like practices, including allegedly sucking the breasts of women and children during sermons.
Residents who spoke to K24 claimed the pastor forced parishioners into disturbing rituals such as shaving pubic hair and smearing animal blood on their bodies while chanting unusual phrases.
One church member described the pastor’s actions as deeply unsettling, noting that Mururu would have women remove their innerwear and burn them, claiming it would protect their relationships.
These allegations sparked outrage among locals, who previously sought help from the Ameru Njuri Ncheke council, but Mururu allegedly refused to honor their summons.
As anger mounted, community members accused Mururu of grooming a cadre of ushers to assist in his troubling practices. Frustrated by the pastor’s perceived manipulation, locals decided to take matters into their own hands, fearing that he posed a significant danger similar to events at the infamous Shakahola cult.
After the church was torched, Pastor Mururu denied the allegations, asserting that he had preached for 20 years without engaging in any wrongdoing and seeking protection from police due to perceived death threats.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officer Commanding Nicholas Musyoka urged the community to report issues to authorities rather than resorting to vigilantism, emphasizing the importance of addressing such serious claims appropriately.
