Residents of Gatwe village in Mutira Ward, Kirinyaga Central, were left in disbelief after a brazen break-in at All Saints ACK Gatwe Church, where thieves stole items and cash worth over Ksh. 1 million and drank five bottles of altar wine.
According to Rev. David Mugo, the church’s in-charge, the intruders accessed his office and took the keys in an attempt to open the church. When that failed, they broke a window to gain entry. “They stole Ksh. 9,500 in cash from my office,” Rev. Mugo reported.
Church chairman David Kimenju revealed that the night watchman was overpowered and tied up by three attackers before they broke into the compound. The vandals ransacked the church, leaving sacred and musical items scattered inside the sanctuary and across nearby tea farms.
“I could not believe my eyes when I saw the damage and found out they drank five bottles of altar wine,” said a shocked Edward Mugo, a long-time congregant.
The church, still reeling from the loss, has made a public appeal for the stolen items to be returned. “Unless someone comes to our aid, we will be forced to use drums this Sunday. These instruments took years to acquire,” said Muriithi, a church official.
This marks the second such incident in the county. On June 26, thieves broke into ACK St. Matthew’s Church in Mwea-East, where they also consumed altar wine, ate sacramental bread, and stole church property.
“What is happening to our children? Drinking altar wine inside a church?” questioned a concerned resident.
Detectives have visited the scene and confirmed that investigations are underway.
Written By Rodney Mbua
