Puzzle of Kirinyaga preacher who disappeared during mission in Moyale last month

A family from Mwea village in Kirinyaga County is appealing for intervention from security agencies to establish the whereabouts of their kin who went missing in April.

The 44-year-old John Kinyua Murango disappeared weeks after he travelled to Moyale, Marsabit County, for missionary work.

What his family had hoped would be a new chapter for the father of four soon has now turned into a nightmare after he went quiet.

The family says Kinyua had alleged threats to his life days before his phone went off, never to be heard from again.

Citizen TV visited the SDA Church in Ngurubaini, Kirinyaga County, where a special service to pray for the safety and well-being of Murango was being held.

"Tulifanya sherehe kubwa sana tukiwa na great hope ataingia kwa mission asaidie watu, na sasa tumeshikwa na butwaa juu sasa hayuko kazi tena na ni huzuni mwingi zaidi,” said Douglas Gitonga, Murango’s brother.

Murango’s wife Lilian Wangari added, “Alimaliza last year ndio tukafanya graduation in December, na sasa aliripoti kwa kazi huko Kate, alafu akenda kazi Kate date 10 March, na kutoka 24th April amepotea."

The family claims the cleric had talked about threats to his life but failed to disclose the origin or nature of the threats.

Suspecting foul play, they are appealing for intervention from security agencies.

"Tunaomba kwa hisani ya serikali yetu, maana tunafanya maombi kama washiriki, lakini serikali itusaidie katika kutafuta ndugu yetu arudi kwa familia yake na pia arudi kazini,” Gitonga added.