Clergy condemn attack on convent

By Kenan Miruka

Catholic clergy in Kisii have condemned an attack on a convent in Gucha by villagers pressing for the transfer of the principal of Sengera Girls.

Led by Kisii Catholic Diocese vicar General, Fr Joseph Obanyi, the clergy termed the incident disturbing and want security beefed up.

On Saturday, a group of villagers invaded the Sengera Parish Convent and attacked four nuns living there.

The previous day, a man armed with a knife chased after Sister Angeline Atswela, the principal of St Angela Sengera Girls High School.

"The man, acting drunk, hurled abuses at then nuns in the convent without provocation. We are now living in fear," said Atswela.

Two watchmen manning the compound arrested a drunken man who was hurling insults and villagers invaded the compound demanding his release leading to a clash.

They pelted the compound with stones damaging the gate and windowpanes.

The police moved in to quell the tension, but the villagers engaged them in running battles for over an hour. Tension remained high for the better part of Monday morning.

"As a parish, we are disturbed by the crisis pitting the local community and the school that has degenerated into deadly attacks. Is the Government aware of this impunity," posed Fr Obanyi.

He said the diocese and board of the school had investigated the allegations levelled against the principal and found that they lacked substance.

Gucha deputy OCPD Julius Kyumbule confirmed the attack, saying security had been beefed up around the compound. Gucha DC Mathias Rioba said he would convene a baraza to try and resolve the matter.