Robbers Target Tigania Pastor in Close Call as Gunshot Misses
Pastors from Tigania and Ruri rwa Rera are calling on the national and Meru county governments to take immediate action to address the increasing security threats in the region.
Their concerns have been heightened after a harrowing attack on Reverend Stephen Kaithia, a local pastor, who narrowly escaped death during a robbery attempt near his church in Kathama ka Ahindi, Kianjai, Tigania West.
Rev. Kaithia was returning from an evening church crusade when he was confronted by armed assailants. The attackers attempted to shoot him at close range, but the bullet narrowly missed its target.
Instead, it pierced through the Bible placed on the dashboard of his car before exiting through the windshield. This close call has raised serious concerns about the safety of religious leaders in the area and the escalating violence surrounding churches.
The incident has left many in the clergy shaken, with several pastors calling for urgent measures to improve security in the region.
Rev. Morris Lichoro, Secretary General of the clergy union, emphasized the need for increased safety measures, pointing out a troubling pattern of church-related crimes in the area. Churches have been broken into multiple times, with criminals stealing valuable equipment such as sound systems and furniture.
Bishop Francis Nchebere, a prominent voice in the clergy, suggested that local area chiefs be armed with firearms to enable them to respond quickly to emergencies. He highlighted the critical issue of the low police-to-citizen ratio in the area, which has made it increasingly difficult for authorities to respond effectively to criminal activities. The clergy are calling for a comprehensive security overhaul to protect both religious leaders and their congregations.
As the region continues to face rising insecurity, many pastors feel vulnerable and are urging the government to prioritize their safety. In addition to calls for better security, Pastor Jediel Kirema has spoken out about the upcoming presidential visit to Meru. While welcoming the president’s visit, Kirema emphasized that any donations made to local churches should not be returned, as has happened in the past. He proposed that these donations be redirected into pastors’ savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOS) to enhance their financial stability and reduce the temptation for unethical behavior.
The clergy believe that empowering pastors financially will prevent the exploitation of their congregations and allow them to focus more on their spiritual duties without distractions. They urge the government to consider this proposal as part of a broader strategy to address both the security and financial challenges facing pastors in the region.
As the community awaits further action from the government, the clergy remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed. They believe that by enhancing both security measures and the financial wellbeing of pastors, the region can experience greater stability and safety, allowing churches to continue their vital work.
More News: Wamuchomba Defends ‘Ruto Must Go’ Chants Amid CDF’s Warning
Robbers Target Tigania Pastor in Close Call as Gunshot Misses
