An Embu County pastor was charged with sexually assaulting a church member.

Pastor Benson Mwaniki Njuki of Full Gospel Church Karurina was charged with raping a 22-year-old lady.

Pastor Njuki was accused of entering the woman and inappropriately touching her private parts.

PHOTO | COURTESY police car

According to court documents, the victim was kneeling during a prayer session at Njuki's church when the pastor assaulted her. Her screams were muffled after the accused seized her and covered her mouth.

The woman told her mother about the ordeal and was transferred to Embu Level V Referral Hospital, where the incident was confirmed, and a P3 and post-rape care (PRC) form was filled out.

The incident was reported to the Itabua Police Station, and the pastor was arrested.

When he appeared before Embu Senior Principal Magistrate Robert Gitau, Njuki disputed the charges. He was released on a Ksh.100,000 bond with a Ksh.100,000 surety or a Ksh.50,000 cash bail.

The case is set for mention on June 11.