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– Drama ensued at a church in Elgeyo-Marakwet county when an armed man interrupted a Sunday service
– A stampede followed, with members of the congregation scampering for safety, as the gunman threatened to shoot the pastor
There was panic at a church in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo-Marakwet county when an armed man stormed a Sunday service wielding two AK-47 guns.
According to police, the man, identified as Kiptoo Butinane, stormed Tot Methodist Church on Sunday July 10, 2016, aiming at the presiding preacher Pastor Johana Kiptoo, and threatening to shoot him.
“Jesus told his disciples that the son of man will come like a thief at a time when least expected,’’ the man yelled as he entered the building, according to Daily Nation.
Marakwet East police boss Emmanuel Rono said a stampede ensued as members of the congregation scampered for safety.
Butinane then walked out of the service, which was being held in a classroom at Tot Primary School.
On his way out, the angry gunman landed a sharp slap on a worshipper who was seated by the door, before firing several shots in the air outside the church.
“Police officers who were on patrol responded to the gunfire sound, and managed to disarm Butinane, after which he was arrested and taken to Tot Police Station,” the police boss was quoted in a KNA report.
Rono added that police searched the suspect’s home and found 214 rounds of 7.62 mm special as well as two more AK-47 guns of serial numbers 298415 and 56-1-28037478.
It is not clear what Butinane’s intentions were, but the police boss said they have launched investigations.
The headteacher of Tot Primary School is expected to record a statement as well.
Image: BBC/File
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