I was sent by God to burn church, woman tells court

A woman has admitted in court that she attempted to set on fire a city church, claiming she was sent by God to deliver a "heavenly message".

Jane Wanjiru Boro, 36, pleaded guilty to the charge of arson, explaining that she had been confused after receiving a divine signal about Jesus Teaching Ministry Church on Haile Selassie Road being consumed by fire.

Before Milimani Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo on Tuesday, Wanjiru admitted to the act but insisted she was carrying out a mission from God. "I received a signal that the church was about to be consumed by fire, so I went there. When I arrived, I got confused and forgot to ask God to bring down the fire," Wanjiru told the court.

"However, instead of praying for the fire to come down, I got confused and started the fire myself. Your Honour, someone can get confused sometimes," she added.

The prosecution informed the court that Wanjiru committed the offence on October 19, 2023. The court heard that Wanjiru entered the church premises and was stopped at the reception by security guards. When questioned, she said she was waiting for someone to pick her up. However, her actions soon raised suspicion.

After a few minutes, security guards noticed Wanjiru armed with a plastic bottle containing paraffin, which she began sprinkling on the floor. She then took out a matchbox and attempted to light a fire.

Fortunately, the guards extinguished the flames. Wanjiru was arrested and later booked at Kamukunji Police Station. In mitigation, Wanjiru sought forgiveness, stating that she would not repeat the offence.

Magistrate Onsarigo remanded her in custody until December 18, 2024.