PCEA mourns after Rev Ndumia killed at church residence in night attack

The slain minister of Tabuga Parish, Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia,

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is mourning the death of Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, who was killed in a suspected criminal attack at the church residence in Nakuru.

In a condolence message, Moderator Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi described the incident as a painful loss to the church, saying the news of the minister’s death had deeply shaken the faithful.

“Good afternoon and praise God. This is a very sad day for our church, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, because this morning we woke up to very sad news of the death of our minister of the Nakuru East Presbytery. The minister of Tabuga Parish, Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, was assaulted by unknown criminals last night at around 10/11 pm. Killed in cold blood," Mutahi said.

"We got the information early today, but we had to let the next of kin be made aware, his wife, Esther Wangui, and his parents on both sides. We are very sad because death is painful and it is even more painful when it comes through criminality. I have talked to the area MP, Mheshimiwa Irene, who is our member, and she has talked to the IG, and they are following up on the matter. Other than the minister, the watchman was also wounded. It was in the church manse in Tabuga. It is very unfortunate that such a heinous act can happen."

Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Boit confirmed the incident, saying investigations have begun to establish the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.

He said Rev. Ndumia’s body was discovered inside the living room, lying in a pool of blood, with deep cut injuries on the back of the neck. According to him, the nature of the wounds pointed to a possible attack using an axe. The security guard was also found injured.

“Reverend Ndumia’s body was found in a pool of blood in the living room, with deep cut wounds on the back of the neck, suggesting he might have been attacked using an axe. The security guard also had wounds on his body,” Mr Boit said.

Boit further explained that preliminary investigations suggest the attackers gained access to the church compound at about 3am through the main entrance. He said they first overpowered the security guard before forcing him to lead them to the pastor’s house, where Rev. Ndumia was alone at the time.

The assailants are then said to have restrained both victims before carrying out the attack and ransacking the house. Police recovered the deceased’s mobile phone at the scene, which has been taken for analysis as part of the ongoing investigations.

The church said the attack occurred at the church manse in Tabuga, where the minister was based. A watchman was also injured during the incident.

The moderator extended condolences to the bereaved family and the wider church, calling for unity and prayer during the difficult period.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to Esther, the spouse of the late Ndumia; their children, his parents from both sides; Tabuga Parish, Nakuru East Presbytery; and the entire PCEA. Much as we mourn, we also are believers and want to be comforted by Psalm 34:18 ‘The lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' The death of Rev. Ndumia has really crushed us, but the Lord will comfort us.”

The church has urged members and the public to keep the family, the congregation and the nation in prayers following the tragic loss.