Who is robbing, pooping inside Kakamega churches?

Cases of thieves breaking into churches and stealing valuables have become rampant in the Western region. Even more appalling is that the thieves have developed a habit of relieving themselves inside the places of worship and pastors’ offices.

On August 1, members of two churches in Luanda woke up to the sad news that robbers had broken into their churches. And this wasn’t the first time thieves were breaking into churches around Vihiga County.

For the past year, over ten churches have reported cases of break-ins. In most cases, the thieves cook and eat before leaving.

The incidents have left church leaders, elders, and locals worried about the moral decay in society. Many believe the vices are fuelled by drug abuse among the youth.

Drug abuse

Maragoli Council of Elders coordinator Rev Samson Muhindi was dismayed by reports that thieves broke into two churches in Luanda a week ago. “You can’t commit such acts, it’s an abomination and a sin to do such,” he said.

According to Muhindi, the thieves risk attracting a curse that will haunt them and their generations up to the fourth.

“Biblically and culturally they stand cursed,” said Muhindi.

During the August 1 incidents, thieves broke into Emukhuyu Salvation Army and Emukhuyu Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) and made away with valuables. They stole electric cables, curtains, and furniture.

Captain Joyce Anzaye, a church leader at Emukhuyu Salvation Army, said they noticed the break-in when worshipers came for morning devotion. “This is the first time our church was broken into. The thieves went away with several properties that we are still assessing the value,” Anzaye said.

The gang also stole green maize from the church farm and roasted them in the church.

“Worst of all, the thieves used the flag post to roast maize in one of the rooms inside the church,” Anzaye said.

According to Salvation Army Church doctrines, the flag and post are considered holy. At Emukhuyu PAG, curtains, and electric cables were also stolen the same night. Rodah Musumba, a church elder, condemned the act and urged locals to respect God’s House.

“Growing up churches never had doors yet no one would dare steal,” Musumba said.

Unethical and disrespectful

“It's unethical for people to steal and defecate in holy places. They are inviting curses to their generations,” said ACK Maseno North Diocese Bishop Emeritus Simon Oketch.

Bishop Oketch said parents must prevail upon their children to desist from such acts. “Parents have absconded their duty of teaching their children to respect places of worship,” said Oketch.

“What’s happening is similar to what happened in Sodom and Gomorrah and when the wrath of God was kindled, he destroyed everything.”