By Paschal Norbert
YEI, AUGUST 5, 2025 (CISA) — The Catholic Diocese of Yei has issued a strong condemnation following the murder of Kenyan civil engineer James Kariuki, who was ambushed and killed on the morning of July 31, 2025, along the Yei-Kaya road in Central Equatoria State. The incident highlights the continuing threat faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan and underscores the Church’s urgent call for peace and justice.
Engineer Kariuki, who had been contracted by the Missionary Society of the Salesians of Don Bosco to reconstruct the priests’ residence at Holy Trinity Parish in Morobo County, was reportedly driving toward Koboko, Uganda, when his vehicle came under heavy gunfire around 8:00 a.m. Witnesses and security sources say that the vehicle, which was operating under the Church’s development initiatives, was later set ablaze with Kariuki’s body partially burned. South Sudanese security forces, who responded to the attack, confirmed that a second individual believed to be one of the attackers was also killed during pursuit operations.
Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo of the Catholic Diocese of Yei, who visited the scene of the ambush shortly after the incident, described the murder as brutal, deliberate, and a tragic loss not only for the Church but also for the people of South Sudan.
“God is the ultimate witness, because the innocent blood of James Kariuki is crying to Him from the ground,” the bishop stated, drawing from the gravity of the moment to call for national introspection and action.
According to Bishop Lodiong, the attack bore the hallmarks of previous ambushes attributed to armed opposition groups that operate in and around greater Yei. However, in keeping with a pattern seen across South Sudan, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the killing.
He noted that such violence reflects a dangerous trend of targeting civilians and humanitarian actors in zones of instability.
“Violent attacks on presumed targets, who are in fact innocent people, out of fear, anger, or a desire to loot, are purposeless. They do not solve the problems that disappoint or anger us,” he said.
Kariuki had been working on a vital Church project meant to facilitate the return of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who had been forced to leave Morobo County in 2016 due to widespread violence. Their departure disrupted not only pastoral services but also community development work in the region. The reconstruction of the priests’ residence at Holy Trinity Parish was seen as a sign of hope and revival, one tragically interrupted by the killing.
The bishop did not hold back in his criticism of ongoing violence, which he said continues to rob South Sudan of its future. He directly addressed members of armed groups, whether aligned with the government or opposition forces, and appealed for an end to the cycle of bloodshed.
“I appeal to my fellow South Sudanese, whether in opposition or government circles, violence against innocent civilians, whether nationals or foreigners, will not bring solutions. It only adds to the pain and suffering of our people,” he declared.
Despite the horror of the incident, Bishop Lodiong reaffirmed the Diocese’s resolve to continue its work.
“The violent murder of Engineer James does not intimidate or threaten our pastoral and missionary work. We will continue to offer pastoral and social services to all people wherever they are, as much as our resources allow. This is our calling, following Christ’s example of serving others,” he stated.
The bishop also urged the government and all stakeholders to pursue peace through nonviolent means. He emphasized that military interventions, while temporarily effective in controlling violence, do not address the deeper social, political, and ethnic grievances at the heart of South Sudan’s unrest.
“Violence only deepens national grievances and delays peace,” he said. “Military solutions suppress issues temporarily but never truly resolve them.”
Bishop Lodiong called on South Sudanese to seek reason and dialogue in resolving conflicts, reminding them of the senselessness of violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives. The Diocese called for prayers for the soul of Engineer Kariuki and all those who have perished under similar violent circumstances.
