Police Nab Seven Over Kariobangi North Church Chaos as Hunt for More Suspects Intensifies
Police have arrested seven people over the chaos that erupted outside the PCEA Church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The officers tracked the suspects to Lucky Summer, Nairobi, and moved them into custody. They will appear in court once processing ends.
Investigators are reviewing more images from the scene to identify additional suspects. Police say they expect to pick up more people linked to the violence.
“We have arrested seven suspects involved in the Kariobangi North disturbances,” NPS said on Tuesday. “More arrests will follow as we analyse photographic and acoustic evidence.”
The clashes started when two rival groups confronted each other near the church. One group allegedly attempted to disrupt the service. The other group defended Gachagua’s visit.
Gachagua had joined congregants for a thanksgiving service for DCP’s Wanyoike Warui, who won the Kariobangi North ward by-election on November 27.
Tensions rose quickly. Officers rushed to the scene and dispersed the two groups, who had blocked the road leading to the church. Police fired in the air and used teargas to break up the crowds. The confrontation briefly interrupted the church service.
Six people suffered injuries in the disorder. NPS described the incident as planned and coordinated.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga dismissed claims that officers fired teargas inside the church.
NPS is urging anyone who witnessed the clash to share information through its official channels.
