Authorities in Nakuru have initiated a manhunt following the tragic murder of Rev. Julius Ndumia inside PCEA Tabuga Church. County Police Commander Samuel Boit confirmed that specialized detectives are actively pursuing the assailants, while religious leaders and community members urgently call for justice.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, with clergy members condemning it as a grave violation of a sanctuary. Rev. Jorum Kiarie, chairman of the Lanet Umoja Pastors Fellowship, expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore safety.
“This horrific and terrifying act, committed within a place of worship, has rattled not only the Christian community but society at large. The church should serve as a sanctuary of peace, hope, and refuge. This killing is intolerable, and we must ensure that those responsible face justice,” Kiarie stated.
Rev. Ndumia, 50, who served as the parish minister at PCEA Tabuga, was discovered in his living room, surrounded by a pool of blood, with severe cut wounds at the back of his neck, indicating a possible axe attack.
Investigations reveal that the assailants likely entered the premises around 3 a.m. through the main gate, where they first assaulted a security guard on duty. The guard, who suffered injuries, was reportedly coerced into guiding the attackers to the pastor’s residence.
Both the guard and Rev. Ndumia were allegedly restrained before the assailants launched their attack and ransacked the home. Reports indicate that the gang demanded Sunday offerings before fleeing with cash, mobile phones, and other valuables packed into a bag.
The pastor’s mobile phone was later recovered at the scene and collected as evidence. The injured guard received medical attention at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was stabilized.
The incident came to light around 6 a.m. when an ECDE teacher discovered the gate locked from the inside and the office doors ajar, prompting alarm. The pastor’s body was subsequently transported to Umash Funeral Home as investigations commenced. Various leaders across the region have voiced their outrage over the killing.
Among them, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and former MP Kimani Ngunjiri have urged law enforcement to expedite investigations and ensure that those responsible face justice.
Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, lamented the tragic loss, confirming that the minister was “assaulted by unknown criminals who took his life.”
Bahati MP Irene Njoki reported that she had directly communicated with the Inspector General of Police to advocate for prompt investigations. In a collective statement, clergy in Nakuru cautioned that violence reaching the altar signifies a deeper societal and moral crisis.
They expressed alarm over what they termed a concerning rise in violent crime in Lanet Umoja and neighboring areas, including murders, assaults, and organized criminal activities.
Kiarie made an urgent appeal to government officials and security agencies to act decisively to address the worsening security situation in the region. The clergy are now demanding immediate and thorough investigations into the murder, enhanced police patrols, and proactive measures to combat criminal activity and restore public trust.
Residents have voiced their concerns that this attack reflects a broader trend of insecurity, which has led to protests in recent months, with organized criminal gangs being blamed for a series of violent incidents throughout the city.
Meanwhile, police have indicated that efforts are underway to dismantle these gangs and restore order. For now, the community mourns the loss of a spiritual leader in a place that should embody peace, while anxieties about local security and the pursuit of justice continue to mount.
