A cleric in Meru will surely live to testify to the goodness of the Lord after a bullet was stopped-believe it or not-by a Bible.
Pastor Stephen Kiathia of Neema Christian Church in Tigania narrowly escaped death when armed robbers attacked him just meters from his church after a service.
Speaking to TV47, he narrated the miraculous moment when his Bible saved him from a bullet allegedly fired by one of his attackers.
"Hii ni maajabu ya Mungu. Risasi ilipofyatuliwa, hii Biblia ilikuwa kwa dashboard, karibu na steering. Hio risasi iligonga hii Biblia, ikaingia karibu na Ufunuo na ikatoka kwa screen (windscreen)."
Showing a bandaged hand, he also described how a second assailant armed with a machete nearly struck his head.
"Yule alikuwa na panga wa pili, akainua akaniambia leta pesa, nikainua mkono ili nimtolee pesa. Nikazuia isinikate kwa kichwa, ikanikata hapa."
Religious leaders in the area have raised concerns over increasing attacks on places of worship, with criminals systematically targeting churches and stealing worship equipment.
"Makanisa yangu yale nimesimamia yamevunjwa na vitu zikaenda; speakers na mixers," said Rev. Morris Lichoro.
They are now calling on authorities to enhance security and prevent future attacks.
"Tunaomba serikali kuu, serikali ya kaunti, waweze kuangalia hayo maneno, waungane katika kuimarisha usalama," Lichoro said.
The miraculous escape sparked reactions online, with many expressing amazement at Pastor Kiathia's survival.
@FransiscahMuindi: "Thanks to God who protect His people surely the word of God is our secret place."
@gathoninjenga442: "Unless God watches over His people, watchmen watch in vain. Pray for God to protect His people instead of asking the Police to intensify security."
@kefaaboki6387: "The only way to address this situation is by creating employment opportunities for young people. I know obviously the church business is thriving for those who are in it, but they need to be controlled and vetted."
