Priest hospitalized in Kenya after rectory attack

Published: 2008-02-20

KERICHO, Kenya (CNS) -- A priest in the Diocese of Kericho has been hospitalized after four assailants beat him while he was sleeping in his parish home. Father John Mbaraka of St. Mark's Parish told Catholic News Service that the aggressors entered the rectory at Sacred Heart Parish in Kericho in the early morning hours Feb. 18, slashed Father Beatus Kimati with a sword and kicked him several times. Father Mbaraka said Father Kimati, who was seriously injured, was attacked in total darkness so he could not identify his attackers. Father Samuel Karanja, diocesan vicar general, was in another room and heard a commotion but could not help because of the dangerous situation, Father Mbaraka said. The assailants also demanded to know the priest's tribe. Father Kimati said he was Tanzanian, and the attackers left. Doctors told CNS that the priest had been advised to rest but was out of danger.

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