Homa Bay, Kenya – Tragedy struck during a church service at Ebeneza Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ramoya village, Suba South Constituency, when a church elder was fatally stabbed in front of the congregation. The shocking incident occurred on Saturday, leaving worshippers in disbelief and sorrow.
The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Francis Opiyo, had just finished presenting church reports and was handing over the session to another elder before the main sermon. Witnesses say that at this moment, a fellow elder, who has since been arrested, walked to the altar, pulled out a knife concealed in a Bible, and stabbed Opiyo in the left side of his chest. Opiyo collapsed on the spot as horrified congregants watched.
According to Suba South Sub-County Police Commander Caxton Ndunda, the suspect accused Opiyo of having an affair with his wife, who is also a church member. The enraged elder, instead of addressing the matter through dialogue or proper church mechanisms, resorted to a deadly act of violence in the sacred place of worship.
Immediately after the attack, the suspect fled the scene but later surrendered to the area Assistant Chief. Meanwhile, Opiyo was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. His body has been moved to St. Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori Town, Migori County.
The police have since detained the suspect at Magunga Police Station as investigations into the incident continue. Commander Ndunda urged residents to seek peaceful and lawful ways of resolving conflicts rather than resorting to violence, especially in a place meant for worship and reconciliation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many questioning how a place of faith and peace could become the scene of such a tragic event. Church leaders and community elders are now calling for increased efforts to foster unity and conflict resolution among congregants.
As the faithful of Ebeneza SDA Church and the broader community mourn the loss of Elder Opiyo, this tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unresolved personal conflicts. The police have assured the public that justice will be served and have warned against taking matters into one’s own hands.
The SDA Church leadership is expected to address the congregation in the coming days, urging calm and reaffirming the need for peaceful conflict resolution within the faith community.
