Church destroyed, homestead torched as Kirinyaga residents target bishop over man’s death linked to rice and chicken theft

But last Sunday, worshippers stayed away after the church, worth millions of shillings, was destroyed last week.

Angry residents torched the homestead of one of the cleric's, also valued at millions, before vandalising the church. They accused the cleric of being linked to the death of a 30-year-old man by the name Martin Kara, who was allegedly killed over claims of stealing a 90kg bag of rice and a chicken.

Another church belonging to the cleric in Kiandegwa village was also destroyed on Saturday night.

Security officers in Mwea West were unable to contain the crowd during the chaos.

“It is sad. The title deed and other valuables were taken from the bishop’s house. Stones from the church are also being taken by locals who have vowed to bury Martin Kara’s body in the bishop’s homestead,” a resident said.

Martin’s family remains in pain, questioning how a man they had lived with peacefully could turn against them over a 90kg bag of rice and a chicken.

“He bought our land, built a church and a homestead, but we never imagined he would use my brother’s children to attack their cousin over these allegations,” said Martin’s uncle, James Mutugi.

Johanna Muthoni, the deceased’s aunt, pointed out where Martin Kara was allegedly dragged from his bed before being assaulted.

“We could have paid for the rice and chicken instead of this attack,” she said.

Martin’s family met on Sunday night, led by his uncle Joseph Mutugi and aunt Johanna Muthoni, to plan his burial, which is set for Thursday. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday.

Mwea West Sub-County Police Commander Millicent Ngugi, who visited the scene with detectives, urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

“Two wrongs cannot make a right. Let us live in harmony as investigations continue,” she said.

Residents are demanding the arrest of the cleric, who is on the run, along with two of Martin’s cousins who allegedly assaulted him before his death.