Kirinyaga: Thieves Break Into ACK Church, Loot Cash and Partake in Holy Communion

• Members of ACK St. Matthew’s Mutithi Church in Mwea-West sub-county were left in shock on Monday, May 26, after a break-in
• During the incident, the thieves reportedly stole a church piano and also ate the remaining holy sacraments
• Police launched a probe into the incident while the church appealed to the culprits to return the piano, which plays a key part in the Sunday service

A church break-in in Kirinyaga county has left a local congregation in disbelief after thieves not only stole valuable items but also violated sacred elements of worship.

Which church did thieves break into?

The incident occurred at ACK St. Matthew’s Mutithi Church in Mwea-West sub-county on Monday, May 26, where intruders reportedly broke in through a window and looted the premises.

Among the stolen items was a piano used during Sunday services.

However, what shocked members the most was the discovery that the thieves had eaten the remaining holy sacraments and consumed altar wine.

Read also

Nyeri: CCTV footage leads to capture of suspect in murder of missing girl

The disturbing scene was discovered when choir members arrived for practice and found the sanctuary in disarray.

“Church items were scattered everywhere. I could not believe that someone could eat the sacrament and drink altar wine. It’s something I’ve never encountered before,” said one of the church members, Ruth Wangui.

Church officials said the break-in points to possible negligence in security.

The vice chairman of the church, Eliud Githaka, expressed frustration over the absence of the security guard during the incident.

“The reverend had raised concerns about the guard sleeping while on duty. This event confirms we may need to hire someone we can trust directly,” Githaka said.

How theft at ACK church has affected preparations for Sunday service

The theft has affected the church’s preparations for the upcoming Sunday service, particularly the music ministry, which heavily depends on the stolen piano.

Read also

Kirinyaga village elder murdered, body dumped in banana plantation

“We’ll have to use drums, unless someone comes forward to help us get a new piano,” said Solomon Muriithi, a church member involved in Sunday planning.

Police officers from the local station visited the church on Monday night and confirmed that investigations have begun.

As the probe continues, church leaders have appealed to the culprits to return the stolen property. They have also asked members of the public to help in providing information that will assist the police in narrowing down the suspects.

Thieves break into Kirinyaga church

TUKO.co.ke in January 2025 reported a similar incident that also involved an Anglican Church (ACK) in Gichungu, Kirinyaga county.

In the incident that left church members and locals in shock, it was reported that the thieves broke into the church after which they stole speakers, cables, mixers and padlocks.

The church valued the cost of all the stolen items to be worth over KSh 300,000.

Read also

Eldoret bishop speaks out in pain over Father Allois Bett’s murder: "We've crossed the red line"

According to some of the church members, those behind the daring theft entered the church using the main door just after a Sunday service.

There has been increased cases of similar thefts targeting churches in the county.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke