Kirinyaga in Shock as Bishop’s Mansion Is Set Ablaze and Looted

A bishop in Kirinyaga County is counting heavy losses after an irate mob descended on his residence, setting it ablaze and looting valuables following the controversial death of a 30-year-old man in Ciagini, Mwea.

Bishop Simon Wachira of Ambassadors for Christ Ministry Church lost his homestead, estimated to be worth millions of shillings, after residents stormed and set it ablaze.

The unrest was triggered by accusations from residents who claimed the cleric had orchestrated an assault on Martin Kara, who later died near a local private hospital.

The claims rapidly spread after the victim’s family raised an alarm, drawing villagers into a charged confrontation.

According to reports, tensions had been brewing after the bishop allegedly accused Kara, his neighbour, of theft involving a 90kg bag of rice and a chicken belonging to his cousins a day earlier.

Rising Tensions and Violent Retaliation

Witnesses say the situation escalated quickly as enraged residents mobilised and marched to the bishop’s compound.

The cleric reportedly fled moments before the crowd arrived, escaping in a vehicle as the mob advanced.

Police officers from Ciagini Police Station were initially overwhelmed by the crowd, necessitating reinforcement from Mwea West Sub-County headquarters at Kiamaciri Police Station.

Despite the additional security presence, officers were unable to prevent the destruction.

Flames engulfed the bishop’s home as residents looted property in broad daylight, carting away household items and building materials.

Among the stolen goods were a generator, furniture, sofa sets, title deeds, logbooks and iron sheets.

Also Read: EACC Partners With Anne Waiguru and Kirinyaga County to Fight Corruption

Community Claims and Deepening Fallout

Some residents expressed resentment toward the bishop, accusing him of misconduct and asserting that he was unwelcome in the area.

“This is our property. He was even stealing our wives. We don’t need him in Ciagini,” some residents were heard shouting as they carried away the items.

Others described the scale of destruction as devastating, noting that not only personal belongings but also church-related items were lost in the chaos.

“It’s sad that all his properties and even church clothes had been stolen,” said Beatrice Nyaguthii.

Authorities have since deployed officers to guard the Ambassadors for Christ Ministry Church, maintaining a security presence overnight amid fears of further unrest as tensions remain high.

Also Read: Drama in Eastlands as Suspects Abandon Stolen Church Goods and Escape Police Net

Police Response and Ongoing Investigations

Mwea West Sub-County Police Commander Millicent Ngugi confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding both the death of Martin Kara and the subsequent mob action.

“It is a very sad incident, but the DCI is investigating the matter. People should not take the law into their own hands,” she said.

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A police vehicle for illustration
PHOTO/Nation