Residents of Ndia Constituency in Kirinyaga County are worried after a series of break-ins targeting churches, with thieves stealing sound equipment and even consuming communion wine during the raids.

Church leaders say at least three churches in Riakiania were hit overnight on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with intruders targeting musical instruments and electronics used in worship services.

At Fountain of Life Church International, Riakiania, officials said the thieves forced their way in through a window before breaking into a strong room.

Peter Munene said the gang made away with key equipment used during services.

“They took away microphones, mixers and other equipment worth over Ksh200,000. They even drank a bottle of communion wine before leaving,” Munene said.

At St Joseph Riakiania Catholic Church, vice chairman Harrison Mbirui said the attackers entered through the main gate before breaking into different rooms inside the church.

He said the church lost instruments and sound equipment worth more than Ksh500,000.

“They took advantage of ongoing rains when everyone was asleep,” Mbirui said.

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Riakiania also reported losses after intruders stole electronics worth over Ksh250,000.

Flosy Wambui Murimi said the church reported the matter to police after confirming the theft.

“We are wondering where they are taking church equipment. We have reported the matter to Baricho Police Station, and officers have visited the church,” Wambui said.

Worship services under threat

Church leaders in the area say the thieves appear to be targeting only worship equipment, raising concerns about how services will continue.

One church leader said the situation has already affected preparations for Sunday services.

“We don’t know what we will use tomorrow, Sunday. Maybe we will just clap our hands,” one church leader said.

Residents say the break-ins are not isolated. Similar cases have been reported in parts of the constituency, including Kariti Ward a few months ago, where churches also lost equipment during night raids.

Another report from Kirinyaga indicates that three churches, including St Joseph Catholic Church, an Anglican church in Kiamangunyi, and Fountain of Life Church, suffered coordinated attacks over the same weekend.

Church members said the thieves broke windows and moved freely inside the compounds, taking microphones, keyboards, sound systems and other items used during worship.

In one case, congregants said they later found some stolen items dumped on a nearby farm after a tip-off from a neighbour.

Church leaders have now called for tighter security and regular patrols, saying the pattern of attacks shows growing vulnerability of places of worship.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incidents and have visited the affected churches as part of ongoing inquiries.

Residents now want security agencies to increase night patrols in the area to prevent further attacks on churches, which they say have become soft targets due to limited security systems.