Rampant theft cases targeting local churches

Police in Lari Sub-county in Kiambu, have launched investigations into incidents of theft in local churches, where valuable properties, including electronics have been stolen by criminals.The area Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Nahum Muli, disclosed that the latest incident affected Wandemi Catholic Church, where thugs broke in and made away with properties of an unknown value.Muli assured the community that police are following leads to apprehend the culprits and urged churches leadership to work closely with law enforcement agencies in order to secure places of worship.'We are urging church leaders, members, and the wider community to provide us with credible information, regarding these security challenges,' he remarked.Separately, a resident, Cecilia Wanja, recounted another incident, where Presbyterian Church of East African (PCEA), Kairi Church, was invaded by thieves, who gained entry by cutting window grill.The criminals, she said, stole utensils belonging to the Church's Women Guild and public address equipment.She also called on the community to support the police, local administrators and neighbourhood watch groups by providing information concerning security threats and suspected criminal elements in their midst.'We invest significant time and resources in our churches only for thieves to strike and steal,' Wanja lamented.Sub-county Police Commander, Adamson Furaha, underscored police commitment to ensuring community safety, saying night and day patrols across villages, estates, trading centres, and tea farms in the region have been intensified.'We are maintaining constant vigilance, to enhance security measures,' Furaha affirmed.Furaha issued a stern warning to criminals, particularly those targeting churches, adding, 'Those intending to profit from stolen goods should know they are closely monitored, and they will face the full force of the law. The community should remain on high alert and report any suspicious activities. 'Collaborative efforts between law enforcem ent and residents can combat these crimes,'' Furaha said.Source: Kenya News Agency