The National Police Service (NPS) has vehemently dismissed claims that its officers lobbed teargas canisters directly into the Kariobangi North PCEA church on Sunday, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving ceremony.
The incident occurred during a service held for the newly-elected Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly, David Warui. It was initially sparked by a confrontation between two opposing factions of youths who began shouting accusations at each other.
According to the official police statement, two officers on security duty noted a “large group of rowdy youths, armed with crude weapons, attempting to force their way into the church” and called for reinforcement.
“Police moved in quickly to quell the escalating situation, which regrettably spilled into the church, temporarily disrupting the service,” the NPS statement read.
While reports indicated that officers fired warning shots and deployed teargas to disperse the groups and clear a blocked road, the NPS specifically moved to counter accusations made by Mr. Gachagua that teargas was fired into the congregation.
The Service stated that it contacted the church leadership, who “denied that this occurred.”
Chaos and Accusations
The melee resulted in six people being injured and rushed to the hospital. The police further described the incident as appearing to have been “planned and premeditated.”
Despite the police denial, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly accused President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the chaos.
The National Police Service confirmed that the church service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2:00 PM. The Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have since launched a formal investigation into the security breach and confrontation.
