Gachagua Demands Justice for Slain PCEA Pastor at Emotional Burial Ceremony
Politics Updated: 11 May 2026 20:20 EAT
Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua speaking during the Burial Service of the late Rev. Julius Ndumia, Tetu Nyeri County.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday delivered a charged and emotional address during the burial ceremony of slain PCEA minister Reverend Julius Gar Dumia, using the sombre occasion to demand justice and sharply question the government’s response to the killing.
The burial ceremony drew clergy, political leaders and mourners from Nyeri, Nakuru, Kajiado and other regions, with emotions running high as speakers paid tribute to the late minister and condemned the circumstances surrounding his death.
Gachagua described the killing as a calculated and brutal act, insisting that the murder of an ordained minister could not be treated as an ordinary criminal incident.
“Reverend Julius Gar Dumia did not die from disease. He did not die through a road accident. Some people sat and planned to kill him. Went to his house at 1:00 AM, tortured him for three hours, and left at 4:00 AM.”
He said the church was justified in demanding answers, arguing that Rev. Dumia’s death had shaken the entire PCEA fraternity and left many faithful in fear.
“That is a heaven matter and we must speak to it. We must speak to it. Reverend Dumia is not just any other Kenyan; he is an ordained man of God wa kanisa yetu ya PCA, mchungaji ambaye amemwagiwa mafuta.”
Addressing the widow, Mama Esther, and the children of the slain pastor, Gachagua expressed sympathy to the grieving family and acknowledged the deep pain caused by the tragedy.
“I’ve come here to cry with you and to wipe your tears.”
The former Deputy President became emotional while speaking about the couple’s young daughter, saying the child had been denied the chance to grow up with her father.
“This young girl, Shanis, at seven years, will never have the benefit of the love of her father. Not because her father was sick or died in an accident, but some people sat, planned, and took away his life.”
Gachagua faulted the government for remaining silent days after the murder, questioning why senior security officials had not publicly addressed the killing.
“Mbona damu ya mchungaji imemwagika mkome, na wewe sema chochote sasa? Ni siku sita amenyamaza. IG amenyamaza. Why is the life of our Reverend a lesser life?”
He also claimed that investigators were withholding crucial evidence, including CCTV footage allegedly showing suspects entering and leaving the church compound before the killing.
“Tumepata habari CCTV footage inaonyesha wauaji wakiingia saa tano, toka saa kumi. DCI Nakuru are holding that video. Release it! Familia na kanisa na Wakenya waone.”
The former DP questioned the arrests already made by detectives, suggesting that those in custody may only have been found with the slain pastor’s phone rather than being directly linked to the murder itself.
“Wale wamekamatwa ni msichana mmoja na kijana mmoja wamepatikana na simu ya mchungaji. Wale wenye walimuua wako wapi?”
Gachagua revealed that many parish ministers had contacted him expressing fear over their safety following Rev. Dumia’s death.
“More than 100 of our parish ministers have called me. They are scared. ‘Are we safe? Is our family safe?’”
He advised clergy serving away from their families not to stay alone, warning that insecurity levels had become worrying.
“Those who serve outside their homes, don't live alone. Usikae pekee yako. These are difficult times.”
The former Deputy President further accused the government of failing to protect churches from attacks, citing incidents at Mwiki PCEA Church and Kariobangi PCEA Church where worshippers were allegedly assaulted.
“In April last year, goons and police stormed Mwiki PCA church and beat women and children. Today, nobody has ever been arrested.”
“In December, goons and police stormed Kariobangi PCA church and beat women and children. Today, nobody has ever been arrested.”
He argued that the PCEA church had historically been respected by previous administrations and accused the current government of allowing intimidation against religious institutions.
“Hii ni kanisa ya heshima na hakuna serikali tangu independence imevamia kanisa la PCA.”
Gachagua also linked the murder to broader insecurity concerns in Nakuru County, claiming residents were increasingly living in fear.
“Nakuru watu hawalali. The insecurity in Nakuru is on high, on another level.”
At one emotional moment during the ceremony, he called Rev. Dumia’s daughter to the front and said her situation reflected the pain many mourners were carrying.
“What shall we tell this girl when she is of age? The father she adored is no more.”
The former Deputy President also highlighted the plight of the late pastor’s twin sons, who are currently pursuing university education.
“Hawa watoto wako university. Jana mimi na mjumbe wa Kajiado North tumepanga vile watasoma.”
Gachagua vowed to pursue justice for the slain minister and insisted that those responsible must face the law.
“We must get justice for this family.”
“Mtu hapana kuku, hapana mbuzi, ati anauawa tu holela.”
He maintained that while the family could never regain their father, uncovering the truth behind the murder would at least give them some closure.
“These children cannot get their father back, but at least they deserve to know who killed their father and why.”
Throughout the address, Gachagua defended his criticism of the government, insisting he could not remain silent while the church and clergy were under attack.
“Mimi ni mtetezi wa Wakenya, na kama mimi natetea Wakenya nitashindwa kutetea kanisa? Kanisa langu la PCA.”
He concluded by calling for respect for the church and assurances over the safety of PCEA ministers and their families across the country.
“Sisi hatuna shida na mtu yeyote. Tunataka tu kanisa yetu ipewe heshima.”
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