Police Deny Lobbing Teargas Inside Church Attended by Gachagua, Confirm Six Injuries

The National Police Service (NPS) has denied claims that police lobbed teargas inside the PCEA church, Kariobangi North, on Sunday, November 30, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a church service.

In a statement on Sunday, November 30, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga claimed that the management of the church, which was contacted after the incident,has also denied that a canister was lobbed in the church.

“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 2pm,” Muchiri said.

Gachagua had gone to the church to lead a thanksgiving service for Democracy for the Citizens Party’s (DCP) Wanyoike Warui, who won the Kariobangi North ward race inthe by-elections that were held on November 27.

As the situation escalated, police officers quickly intervened and began dispersing the two groups, who had blocked the entire road that accesses the church's premises.

During the incident, the armed officers lobbed teargas canisters and fired shots in the air in an attempt to disperse the rowdy groups. This situation temporarily halted the service.

According to the service, six individuals sustained injuries during the chaos, which it noted was planned and premeditated.

“The NPS takes great exception to such callous acts, particularly when directed at a place of worship, which is considered a sanctuary. We also extend our sympathies to the six individuals who were injured and wish them a speedy recovery,” Muchiri said.

Individuals who witnessed the incident have been advised to contact the service, either in person or by phone, to provide any information that may aid in the investigation.

Castigating the incident, Gachagua blamed President William Ruto and other leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for orchestrating the sinister plan.

According to Gachagua, shifting to such attacks will bring more harm than good to Ruto’s administration, stressing that it will be impossible for the administration to regain public confidence.

“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,” Gachagua said.

“For the record, Mr William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church, Kariobangi North, today, to punish the people of Kariobangi North for rejecting your UDA Candidate, shows how desperate you are,” he added.