The brutal killing of Presbyterian minister Rev Julius Ndumia Religious leaders in Lanet, Nakuru has sparked fears among the clergy in Lanet who are now apprehensive of their safety.

The leaders are viewing the barbaric murder at the church as a clear warning to the clergy who claim to be the target of attack by unknown assailants.

Speaking during a joint address by pastors’ fellowships in the Lanet Umoja area, church leaders expressed grief and outrage over Monday mornings’ murder warning that the safety of ministers and congregants can no longer be taken for granted.

Chairman of the Lanet Umoja Pastors Fellowship, Rev Joram Kiarie, says the killing has instilled fear among clergy, noting that attacks have increasingly extended into churches and pastors’ homes.

“As pastors, we feel unsafe. This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Churches have been attacked, people injured, and now we have lost a servant of God. It is deeply troubling,” he says.

Chairman of the Lanet Umoja Pastors Fellowship, Rev. Joram Kiarie speaks on how high insecurity has spread fear in Lanet churches during a pastor's address in Lanet

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WNAGU

Rev Ndumia, who served under the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tabuga Parish was affiliated with local pastors’ networks, and was described by fellow ministers as humble, dedicated, and deeply committed to serving his community.

“He was a faithful servant, a man who loved people and spent his time guiding and counselling them,” Kiarie adds.

Rev. Julias Ndumia was found murdered in Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tabuga Church in Lanet

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

Church leaders linked the killing to a broader pattern of insecurity in the area, citing repeated attacks during overnight prayer services, “kesha’s”, as well as incidents of vandalism and violence in churches.

Bishop John Macharia says the killing reflects a worrying escalation despite previous reports to authorities.

“We have raised these concerns before, where we had a minister who was attacked and bruised. Now we have lost one of our own. This must stop,” he says, adding that the sanctity of life should be considered.

Macharia called for increased deployment of security personnel in Lanet Umoja and surrounding areas, urging authorities to treat the matter with urgency.

“We demand intervention so that worshippers can gather freely without fear, whether during the day or at night. It is important that justice is also sought for the man of Gob who was killed in cold blood,” he adds.

Other clergy pointed to underlying social challenges, including unemployment and drug abuse

At the same time, church leaders emphasized that economic hardship should not be used to justify violence.

“Regardless of circumstances, no one has the right to invade places of worship or take a life,” Macharia notes.

Clergy also urged calm among congregants as investigations continue, expressing confidence that justice will be served.

Bishop Zachariah Shahasi speaks on how drug abuse is leading to insecurity in Lanet

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Rev Ruth Macharia called on authorities to ensure accountability while offering condolences to the bereaved family.

“We have lost a father, a husband, and a servant of God. We pray for peace and comfort for the family and ask the government to act decisively so that such a tragedy never happens again,” she says.

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