www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Church Burnt in Revenge Attack

Details

Published on Saturday, 02 June 2007 07:14

A church was burnt down in Nyamira District by residents protesting the death of a village elder.

The angry villagers demolished Omokonge New Testament Church of God in Bomavacho sub-location before setting it ablaze to avenge the death of the elder, Daniel Osinde alias Wong'a Wong'a.The church had had Osinde arrested for disturbing a religious assembly in the church earlier this year. He was convicted of the offence by a local court and sentenced to one year in jail.

However, he died at the district hospital after serving only one month in jail, sparking public outrage.

Pastor Peter Omariba, who resided in the church compound, said over 100 people invaded the church on Friday night and ordered him to vacate.

"They ordered me out saying I did not know what was going on as I was posted there recently. They proceeded to destroy a pit latrine, church furniture and all my belongings," Omariba, who took refuge at a nearby home, said.The damage was estimated at Sh100,000.

Three church elders who had testified against the deceased said they received death threats from the villagers.Following the incident, the police led by Mr Rodechi Majani combed the area in search of the arsonists. Tension was high yesterday and surrounding homes were deserted. No arrest had been made by the time we went to press.

The local District Officer Mr John Cheruiyot also toured the area to defuse tension. He said they were following vital clues and those involved in the destruction would be dealt with." The motive of the attack was to avenge the elder's death which the villagers believe was caused by the imprisonment," said Cheruiyot. Worshippers who were not aware of the incident got a rude shock yesterday when they turned up for the Sunday service. They later held prayers under a tree.