The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is reeling after the shocking murder of Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia, the Parish Minister of PCEA Tabuga Parish in Nakuru East Presbytery. The incident has sparked outrage and fear among clergy and congregants, with calls for urgent government action to protect church leaders and worshippers.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, expressed his deepest condolences to Rev. Ndumia’s family, parish members, and the wider Presbyterian community across East Africa. He described the killing as “cold-blooded” and “callous to the extreme,” raising grave concerns about the safety of clergy and the Kenyan public at large.
“The brutal murder of an anointed man of God is not only shocking but raises serious questions about the security of our shepherds,” Gachagua wrote. “Our church has been under siege from criminals under state protection for a while.”
The statement referenced previous violent attacks on PCEA congregants in Mwiki and Kariobangi, allegedly carried out by goons backed by police. Gachagua criticized the silence of church leadership over these incidents, warning that the murder of Rev. Ndumia has now escalated fears among clergy nationwide.
Four days after the killing, police have yet to issue a statement or make arrests, a delay that Gachagua described as “troubling to say the least.” He questioned whether Rev. Ndumia may have been targeted for his outspoken stance against corruption, poor governance, and human rights violations, suggesting the murder could be intended as a warning to other vocal parish ministers.
Gachagua urged Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to publicly explain what steps have been taken in the investigation and to reassure clergy of their safety. He emphasized that freedom of worship and expression, as guaranteed by the constitution, must be protected.
“I urge with the greatest respect to our church leadership to condemn in the strongest terms possible the obvious persecution of the PCEA church,” he added, calling for urgent measures to stop ongoing break-ins at churches where valuables are being stolen “with impunity.”
The murder of Rev. Ndumia has intensified calls for accountability and heightened scrutiny of police inaction, with many demanding swift justice and stronger protection for religious leaders across Kenya.