— Six Injured, Political Accusations Fly as Police Deny Lobbing Teargas Into PCEA Church
The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a detailed clarification after a dramatic confrontation outside PCEA Kariobangi North on Sunday sent worshippers into panic and sparked a political storm.
The incident, which unfolded during a Thanksgiving service for a newly elected ward representative, saw tensions escalate between rival youth groups—culminating in injuries, accusations, and a flurry of statements from political heavyweights.
In its statement, the NPS said trouble began when two officers manning the church gate spotted a large group of armed youths attempting to force their way into the compound.
“A celebratory and thanksgiving service was being held… Towards the end of the service, two police officers noted a large group of rowdy youths, armed with crude weapons, attempting to force their way into the church,” the statement noted.
Reinforcements were called in immediately. Moments later, a second group of youths arrived—seemingly ready to confront the first faction. Police moved to contain the clash, but the confrontation spilled into the church compound, briefly disrupting the service.
The NPS confirmed that six people sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.
What shocked officers, however, was the organised nature of the attack.
“The disturbances appear both planned and premeditated,” the Service observed, signalling a deeper political undercurrent.
The Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have now been ordered to launch a full probe into the “callous and regrettable” incident.
As videos and allegations flooded social platforms—claiming police hurled teargas into the church—the NPS firmly pushed back.
“The Service wishes to correct misinformation alleging that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church. Church leadership has denied that this occurred. The service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2:00 PM.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua swiftly waded into the fray with a fiery statement, accusing President William Ruto of weaponising state security agencies and deploying hired groups to intimidate political opponents.
“It is unfortunate and disturbing that William Ruto is turning Kenya into a militia Country where women, children and churches have become his key targets,” Gachagua charged.
He alleged that two DCP supporters were shot during the confrontation, accusing the government of punishing Kariobangi North residents for rejecting a UDA candidate in the recent by-eection.
Gachagua also doubled down on claims of teargas being deployed inside the church:
“You have desecrated the altar and defiled a Holy Place… God will punish you.”
The NPS expressed regret over the disruption of the church service and condemned the violence that played out in a sacred setting.
“The NPS takes great exception to such callous acts, particularly when directed at a place of worship, which is considered a sanctuary.”
The Service extended sympathies to those injured and assured the public of a comprehensive investigation.
As tensions simmer, investigators are expected to gather statements from witnesses, church leaders, and the rival youth groups. Meanwhile, the political blame game is intensifying, with Kariobangi North now emerging as the latest hotspot in Nairobi’s shifting power battles.
The country waits to see whether the Kariobangi chaos was merely a local scuffle—or a sign of deeper political realignments erupting within Kenya’s capital.
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