By Bonface Mulyungi

Residents of Ndia Constituency in Kirinyaga County have raised concerns over a spate of break-ins targeting churches in the area after thieves raided at least three churches in Riakiania and stole musical and sound equipment.

Church officials said the break-ins happened overnight, with items stolen including microphones, mixers, keyboards and pianos.

Peter Munene of Fountain of Life Church International, Riakiania, said the attackers gained entry through a window before accessing a strong room.

“They took away microphones, mixers and other equipment worth over Ksh200,000. They even drank a bottle of communion wine before leaving,” Munene said.

At St Joseph Riakiania Catholic Church, vice chairman Harrison Mbirui said the thieves entered through the main gate before breaking into the church.He said they stole microphones, mixers, a piano, PMC kits and other property valued at more than Ksh500,000.

“They took advantage of the ongoing rains when everyone was asleep,” Mbirui said.

ACK Riakiania Church was also hit, with Flosy Wambui Murimi saying electronics worth more than Ksh250,000 were stolen.

“We are wondering where they are taking church equipment. We have reported the matter to Baricho Police Station and officers have visited the church,” Wambui said.

Church leaders said the gang appears to be targeting only church equipment, raising fears over how services would proceed.“We don’t know what we will use tomorrow, Sunday. Maybe we will just clap our hands,” one church leader said.Munene said similar cases have been reported in the constituency, including in Kariti Ward about two months ago, prompting residents to call for swift action by security agencies.