Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the government over what he termed as silence following the killing of PCEA minister Rev. Julius Ndumia, raising concerns over the safety of church leaders and the country’s security situation.

Speaking at the late Rev. Ndumia burial ceremomy in Tetu, Nyeri, Gachagua questioned why senior government officials like the Inspector General had not publicly addressed the matter despite the Presbyterian Church of East Africa being one of the largest churches in the country.

“It is unacceptable that the government is silent in such matters,” Gachagua said, arguing that the church has historically played a major role in the country’s development through education, healthcare, and social programs.

The former Deputy President directly questioned President William Ruto over the lack of public condemnation following the cleric’s death.

“What happened to the love you had for PCEA? How comes our minister has been killed and you are saying nothing?” he posed.

Gachagua also faulted members of the Cabinet, including officials in the Interior Ministry, saying their silence had only deepened anxiety within the church and among worshippers.

He warned that if answers are not provided, church leaders might be forced to seek accountability directly from security agencies.

“When worse comes to worst, we will storm the office of the Inspector General to demand answers,” he said, adding that both clergy and their families deserve protection and assurance of safety.

He further called on police in Nakuru to intensify investigations into the killing, urging authorities to review CCTV footage reportedly captured within the area.

According to him, residents had indicated that surveillance footage exists and could provide critical leads into the murder investigation.

Gachagua insisted that churches must remain safe spaces at all times, warning against a situation where religious leaders begin living in fear.

Rev. Julius Ndumia, a minister at PCEA Tabuga Parish in Bahati, Nakuru County, was found murdered at his residence within the church compound on May 3, 2026.

Investigators later revealed that he suffered severe head injuries and signs of suffocation during the attack.

The killing shocked residents and church members, with a church security guard also left seriously injured during the incident. Detectives have since arrested two suspects as investigations continue.