Church killing sparks crackdown in Nakuru

Police in Nakuru have launched a manhunt after Rev Julius Ndumia was killed inside PCEA Tabuga Church.

County Police Commander Samuel Boit said specialised detectives have been deployed to track down the attackers, as religious leaders and residents demand swift justice.

The killing has shocked the local community, with clergy describing it as a violation of what should be a place of sanctuary.

Led by Rev Jorum Kiarie, chairman of the Lanet Umoja Pastors Fellowship, religious leaders condemned the attack and called for urgent action to restore security.

“This horrific and terrifying act, carried out within a place of worship, has shaken not only the Christian community but society as a whole. The church is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, hope and refuge. This killing is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to book,” Kiarie said.

Rev Ndumia, 50, the parish minister at PCEA Tabuga Parish, was found dead in his living room in a pool of blood. He had deep cut wounds at the back of his neck, suggesting he may have been attacked with an axe.

Police said the assailants are believed to have gained entry into the compound at about 3am through the main gate, where they first attacked a security guard on duty.

The guard, who sustained injuries, is reported to have been forced to lead the attackers to the pastor’s residence.

Both the guard and the clergyman were reportedly tied up before the attackers assaulted them and ransacked the house.

The gang is said to have demanded Sunday offerings before fleeing with cash, mobile phones and other items packed into a bag.

The pastor’s mobile phone was later recovered at the scene and taken as evidence. The injured guard was taken to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was stabilised.

The incident was discovered at about 6am by an ECDE teacher, who found the gate locked from the inside and office doors open, raising the alarm.

The pastor’s body was later taken to Umash Funeral Home as investigations began. Leaders across the region have condemned the killing.

Among them are Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and former MP Kimani Ngunjiri, both of whom urged police to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa Moderator, Rt Rev Thegu Mutahi, described the killing as a tragic loss. He confirmed that the minister was “assaulted by unknown criminals who killed him”.

Bahati MP Irene Njoki said she had spoken directly with the Inspector General of Police to press for swift investigations. In a joint statement, clergy in Nakuru warned that violence reaching the altar signalled a deeper breakdown in social and moral order.

They expressed concern over what they described as a worrying surge in violent crime in Lanet Umoja and surrounding areas, including killings, assaults and organised criminal activity.

“We make an urgent and firm appeal to government authorities and security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to address the deteriorating security situation in our area,” Kiarie said.

The clergy are now calling for immediate and thorough investigations into the murder, increased police patrols and proactive measures to curb criminal activity and restore public confidence.

Residents say the attack reflects a broader pattern of insecurity that has sparked protests in recent months, with organised criminal gangs blamed for a wave of violent incidents across the city.

Police, however, say efforts are underway to dismantle the gangs and restore order.

For now, the community is left mourning a spiritual leader killed in a place meant for peace, as concern grows over security in the area and whether those responsible will be brought to justice.

Lanet Umoja pastors fellowship chairman Reverend Jorum Kiarie speaking in Nakuru/ MATHEWS NDANYI