The National Police Service (NPS) has firmly denied claims that officers hurled a teargas canister inside the PCEA church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, 2025, during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The clarification comes after chaotic scenes unfolded outside the church compound, where police were forced to intervene to disperse violent rival groups.
In a statement on Sunday evening, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said church leaders had confirmed that no teargas entered the sanctuary, contradicting widely circulated reports.
“The service also wished to correct misinformation alleging that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church. Church leadership has been contacted and has denied that this occurred. The service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2 pm,” Muchiri Nyaga, NPS Spokesperson
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Clashes Linked to By-Election Victory Celebrations
Tensions flared outside the church as two groups of youths—one said to have been sponsored to disrupt the event and another reportedly supporting Gachagua—clashed violently.
Gachagua was presiding over a thanksgiving service for Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Wanyoike Warui, who had clinched victory in the November 27 Kariobangi North ward by-election.
As violence escalated, armed police deployed teargas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the groups, who had blocked the main road leading to the church. The confrontation briefly interrupted the church service before calm was restored.
Six Injured as Police Launch Probe
NPS confirmed that at least six people were injured during the melee, describing the incident as “planned and premeditated.”
Nyaga said the Nairobi Regional Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have begun a comprehensive probe to identify those who instigated and financed the violence.
“The NPS takes great exception to such callous acts, particularly when directed at a place of worship, which is considered a sanctuary. We extend our sympathies to the six individuals who were injured and wish them a speedy recovery,” NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga
The police also urged anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.
Gachagua Accuses President Ruto of Orchestrating Attack
Following the incident, Rigathi Gachagua issued a scathing condemnation, accusing President William Ruto and senior United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders of masterminding the violence.
Gachagua described the confrontation as part of what he termed a “sinister plan” by the administration and warned that such actions are eroding public trust.
“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 of lethal attacks. You have desecrated the altar and defiled a holy place, and for sure God will punish you,” Rigathi Gachagua
He further suggested that the attack was retaliation for the Kariobangi North electorate’s rejection of the UDA candidate in the by-election.
