Worshippers thwart church robbery attempt

Brazen thieves who entered a Catholic church to prey on unsuspecting targets got more than they bargained for when the congregation turned on them.

The three who had gained entrance to St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Nakuru's Race Course Estate posing as worshipers almost got lynched by the angry congregation on Sunday morning.

The area Police Commander Stephen Matu said the three, whose names are withheld for legal reasons, were still being interrogated at Bondeni Police Station where they were being held.

According to the police and the church leaders, the suspects were in possession of crude weapons including machetes and hand-axe.

“We arrested the three suspects who were in possession of crude weapons. The weapons were concealed under the jackets they wore,” Matu said.

Church leader Vincent Mboga also confirmed the incident saying the three were dressed in jackets- with weapons concealed under them.

"They came for the 7 am Mass, but they looked suspicious. They were stopped by guards at the gate to be frisked, but they defied the order and forced their way that the mass that had about 1,000 congregants," Mboga said.

However, while inside the church, the three were not keen on the mass but kept on scrolling their mobile phones, raising more suspicion about their activities.

“At times the three would sit, stand up and were tied on their mobile phones. We got worried but kept an eye on them to prevent any attack and commotion during mass,” he said.

The elders under Men Association shared their fears with the police and reported the matter to Bondeni Police Station Occurrence Book (OB) number 17/10/11/2019.

Police officers swiftly moved to the church, arrested and took them to Bondeni Police Station where they are being interrogated.

The Catholic Diocese of Nakuru Lay apostle coordinator Ronald Sunguti further asked the police to conduct a quick investigation into the matter, to curb fear among faithful.

“We need quick investigations into the matter to know what intention of the three was. Anyone is welcome to fellowship with us, but it becomes fishy when criminals take advantage of the church to conduct crimes, said Sunguti.

Matu said security agents cannot take chances and that they were holding the suspect for further interrogation to establish whether there was a security risk.

“The suspects are giving us information. We are treating this issue seriously,” said the commander.