Police urge calm as probe into pastor’s alleged abduction continues

Speaking to The Citizen on May 26, Arusha Regional Police Commander, SACP Justine Masejo, said investigations were still ongoing.

“This matter is still under investigation. We ask the family to remain patient as we finalise the probe. We will issue a statement soon,” he said.

The police comment came a day after the pastor’s family said they had decided to leave the matter to God, citing a lack of follow-up from authorities.

Pastor Jacob’s father, Jacob Gumbo—also a fellow pastor and a CCM ten-cell leader—told Mwananchi that police had visited the family on May 17, took down statements, but never provided updates.

“We haven’t taken further steps. We’ve left it to God. Our priority is to care for our son as he recovers,” he said.

Narrating the incident Pastor Jacob said his abductors claimed to be police officers but had no identification.

They handcuffed and blindfolded him before forcing him into a vehicle.

He said they took him to West Kilimanjaro, seized his phone, and ordered him to delete videos he had uploaded on YouTube.

When he was unable to do so due to a lack of data, one captor left to buy a data bundle while the others stayed behind.

“They told me to lie down and stepped on my neck. One of them asked the others why they were leaving me alive,” he recalled.

After they left, he crawled to a road, where he was later assisted by wildlife guards.

The following Sunday, a service was held at his church, led by Pastors Vulfrida George and Jacob Gumbo. Worshippers from across the country had gathered in prayer, thankful for his safe return.

Pastor Gumbo urged those behind the abduction to repent and warned against targeting religious leaders.