Kisii, 24 January, 2021 / 2:27 pm (ACI Africa).
A Catholic Church in Kenya's Kisii Diocese was recently torched by some unknown individuals, a night incident that seems to have targeted the altar and pulpit, the Communications Director of the Diocese has told ACI Africa in an interview, calling upon those behind the arson attack to regret their evil act and “ask God for forgiveness.”
In the Friday, January 22 interview, Fr. Arnold Maronga confirmed that the yet-to-be identified arsonists broke into St. Monica Catholic Church in Otamba village, an outstation of St. Charles Lwanga Cathedral of Kisii Diocese, and razed down the Altar, pulpit, and vestments.
“It was on the night of 19th January when some young boys coming from watching football saw some smoke coming from the Church. They alerted their parents who then called one of the Church leaders. Upon entering the Church, they found that it was full of smoke,” Fr. Maronga recounted.
He continued, “The Parish Priest who lives around 5 kilometres from the Church was informed about the incident by the Church leader and he had to go there.”
Describing the damage caused by the fire, the Clergy of Kisii Diocese said, “The linen covering the Altar was completely burnt. The arsonists also took other vestments from the sacristy and placed them on the ambo before burning them.”