DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the killing of Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, Parish Minister at Presbyterian Church of East Africa Tubaga Parish under Nakuru East Presbytery, urging security agencies for investigations and accountability.
In a statement, Gachagua said the killing was “cold-blooded and deeply disturbing,” and questioned the state of security in the country, especially for religious leaders. He said, “The cold-blooded murder of a man of God is not only callous to the extreme but it also raises the question of the security of our shepherds and indeed the Kenyan public.”
The former deputy president said security agencies have failed to take forceful action as no update had been given even after four days of the incident. He wanted the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to publicly disclose the progress of the investigation and give assurance to the country. “I call on the Inspector General of Police to make a public statement explaining the incident involving Rev. Ndumia and informing the public about the police actions so far,” he stated.
Gachagua argued that attacks on churches were increasing and cited incidents of violence at PCEA Mwiki and PCEA Kariobangi where he said worshippers had been left at the mercy of goons. He doubted if the murdered pastor had been marked for death because of outspoken views on governance, corruption and human rights. “Is it possible that he was silenced because he was speaking out against corruption, bad governance and violations of human rights?” he questioned.
He also appealed to church leaders to be more vocal in condemning what he called the increasing persecutions of clergy and church members, also blaming the government for not dealing with insecurity in places of worship.
At the same time, a postmortem done by a pathologist based in Nakuru Dr. Titus Ngulungu confirmed that the cause of Rev Ndumia’s death were head injuries and suffocation. The report showed that the victim had sustained multiple blunt force injuries on the head and neck and there was a sign that he had been tied up before the assault. The injuries prompted heavy bleeding and asphyxia resulting from the pressure applied on the neck.
Family representative Francis Mwangi stated that the family agreed with the autopsy and also urged for the quick administering of justice saying, “We really thank the support from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the whole team. We are happy with the results, and now justice for our dear one is what we expect.”
Bahati MP Irene Njoki joined the calls for justice, and she said she had trust in the government to getting the culprits. “He was attacked by unknown people, but we believe the government will ensure that justice is served for the Reverend,” she said.
According to police reports the perpetrators broke into the church compound during the night, they overpowered the security guard and forced him to lead them to the pastor’s residence. They then tied the victims, looted the house and escaped. The security guard sustained minor injuries while the pastor was found dead in the house.
The murder has caused an uproar and fresh calls for protecting the safety of religious leaders. Gachagua has of course called the government to do the right thing which is ensuring that justice is served and then public trust is restored.
