SDA church in Kisii raided in night break-in, holy communion items missing

Elders at a Seventh Day Adventist church in Masaba South in Kisii have reported a night break-in by suspected criminals resulting in the theft of church items.

Ben Mongeri, an elder at Motonyoni SDA, said the suspected criminals also carted away items used to serve wine during holy communion services in an incident suspected to have occurred Tuesday night

"They (thieves) smashed their way in through the window before ransacking the vaults and cupboards inside the church and stashing away anything they deemed precious," Mongeri said.

The church is located metres from a bridge connecting Motonyoni and Nyamesocho villages.

Also missing were music church equipment, flasks, cups and basins.

"We suppose they were ransacking the coffers looking for offering and when they couldn't get it they opted for the items," Mongeri said.

The elders and the church members became aware of the break in late Wednesday.

"A passerby was drawn to some shiny material at the back of the church which turned out to be window panes that were smashed as the criminals who tried to gain entry," added Kepha Nyaramba, another elder.

Masaba South police commander Sammy Gitonga said they have launched a probe.

"The incident has been brought to our attention and investigations are now underway, "he told the Star.

Separately, the Muslim faithful in Kisii have called for an end to squabbling among the Gusii political leadership saying it continues to derail development.

Al Udha Mosque Sheikh Mohammed Omar prevailed on the leaders to make amends for the benefit of the county.

"We must ask ourselves which evil enters in a people with the same blood, same ethnic identity, same nationality to keep fighting? It baffles," stated Shekhe.

The cleric said already bickering has begun to give investors jitters.

"Already some have kept off and many more others may keep off if we continue this way," the Imam told journalists shortly after delivering a homily at Jamia Mosque at Daraja Mbili in Kisii on Wednesday.