How Armed Guards Protect Worshippers at Kapedo Catholic Church

Kapedo Catholic Church, approximately 500 meters from the Kapedo shopping centre at the border of Turkana and Baringo counties, has emerged as both a sanctuary and a target amid escalating violence in the region.

Originally established decades ago, the church has faced severe challenges due to persistent bandit attacks, which have historically placed residents and worshippers in jeopardy. After a closure lasting over four years due to rampant violence, the church reopened in 2022, now conducting Mass under the strict oversight of armed security personnel.

Ephantus Loree, a member of the congregation, highlights the precarious situation faced by the community: "The church is located approximately half a kilometre from where people live in a pasture-rich area, which makes it a haven for bandits."

Despite enhanced security measures, the threat remains, necessitating the presence of police reservists and officers during every service to ensure safety. The ongoing violence has compelled the community to modify their living arrangements, with many semi-permanent structures clustered close to the shopping centre and police installations for protection.

This adaptation reflects the residents' persistent anxiety over banditry and exposes the significant impact of boundary disputes between the Pokot and Turkana communities, which fuel competition over resource-rich land spanning 18 acres. Security forces, including the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), are prevalent in Kapedo, maintaining a fragile semblance of order amid grave unrest.

Nevertheless, the area remains a reminder of its turbulent history, littered with the graves of those lost to the violence. Attending Mass has become a carefully orchestrated routine for parishioners. Police patrol the vicinity an hour before services, and worshippers convene in groups for safety. Once Mass begins, no congregants are permitted to leave until the service concludes, ensuring collective movement back to the village.

The church has faced direct assaults; in May 2018, two police reservists lost their lives during an attack amidst a service, and last August, a herder was attacked nearby, inciting panic among those attending worship. Local leader and church moderator Joseph Lopalal reflects on their past hardships: "There was a time when attackers demolished church structures, stole offerings, and the priest's belongings."

The region's deep gullies, a consequence of soil erosion, complicate security measures by providing cover for bandits. Suguta Valley, infamously dubbed the 'Valley of Death,' exemplifies the perilous situation in Kapedo. The area’s geographical features have enabled numerous ambushes, including the 2014 massacre of 19 Administration Police officers. Furthermore, in January 2021, GSU commander Emadau Tebakol was killed while responding to a distress call.

In Kapedo, the freedom to worship is significantly curtailed amidst these challenges. Yet, the church endures as a symbol of hope for the local community, embodying their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity.