NPS Rejects Claims of Teargas Inside Kariobangi Church
The National Police Service (NPS) has firmly rejected claims that officers threw teargas inside PCEA Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, during a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Police and Church Dismiss Teargas Allegations
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that both the police and the church leadership confirmed that no teargas entered the sanctuary.
He clarified that the officers reached out to church leaders immediately after the incident, and the leaders insisted that the reports were false.
“The service wishes to correct misinformation alleging that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church. Church leadership has denied this. The service later resumed and ended peacefully at 2pm,” he said.
Chaos Breaks Out Outside the Church
Moments later, chaos erupted outside the church when two rival groups confronted each other. One group allegedly arrived to disrupt the service, while another group defended Gachagua’s presence.
As the tension escalated, police officers moved in quickly to restore order. They pushed the groups off the road leading to the church and used teargas and warning shots to break up the confrontation.
Although the operation briefly interrupted the service, officers managed to clear the area.
NPS Launches Investigation
NPS reported that six individuals sustained injuries during the clash. Nyaga said the disturbance appeared planned and coordinated.
He added that the Nairobi Regional Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have already opened investigations to determine who organised the chaos.
Nyaga condemned the act and emphasised that places of worship must remain safe. He also sent goodwill messages to the injured individuals.
Witnesses Urged to Share Information
To speed up the investigations, NPS encouraged anyone with eyewitness accounts to reach out to the nearest police station or call the service directly.
Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Orchestrating Violence
In a sharp response, Gachagua blamed President William Ruto and leaders in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for planning the confrontation.
He argued that such tactics damage public trust and weaken the administration’s image.
“It is unfortunate and disturbing that William Ruto is turning Kenya into a militia country where women, children, and churches have become targets of lethal attacks. You have desecrated the altar and defiled a holy place, and God will punish you,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that Ruto used goons and police to punish Kariobangi North residents for rejecting the UDA candidate in the November 27 by-election.
