NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wants Kenyans to take a deep breath—and maybe a seat—because, according to him, the real fight is at the ballot, not in the streets or churches.
Speaking during a Sunday service at PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani Constituency, Gachagua issued a strong appeal for peace and restraint, even as a group of unidentified individuals attempted to storm the church shortly after his arrival.
Chaos in the Church: What Happened at PCEA Mwiki
Moments after Gachagua and his entourage arrived for worship, a group of unknown individuals tried to breach the church, causing a temporary security scare.
His security team quickly stepped in, taking defensive positions as church members stood their ground to block the intruders.
In the heat of the moment, gunshots rang out, and the bishop calmly urged the congregation to remain composed.
The chaos didn’t last long—security officers soon dispersed the group, allowing the service to proceed without further incident.
While the motive behind the attempted disruption remains unclear, videos from the scene quickly circulated online, stirring public curiosity and political speculation.
Goons stormed and interrupted a church service at PCEA Mwiki-Kasarani where Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance
“Do Not Fight Back”: Gachagua’s Call for Calm
Taking the pulpit shortly after calm was restored, Gachagua doubled down on a message that has become his signature mantra in recent months: peace in the face of provocation.
“Even now when we are provoked, I want to tell our people to remain peaceful,” he said.
“We shall sort out these issues on the ballot. That is the right way to handle them. Do not seek revenge. Do not fight back. Let them do what they want.”
This isn’t just Sunday talk for Gachagua. Back in October, when he became Kenya’s first-ever impeached deputy president, he made a similar plea to his supporters: stay peaceful, stay lawful.
“I will not be dragged into chaos. My commitment is to a peaceful nation,” he told the congregation, drawing nods from allies and applause from church members still shaken from the earlier disruption.
Gachagua’s vehicles stoned after goons interrupt church service at PCEA Mwiki
Looking Ahead: 2027 and the Power of the Ballot
With the 2027 general election beginning to loom over Kenya’s political landscape, Gachagua’s Sunday message wasn’t just a spiritual one—it was sharply political.
In a not-so-subtle nod to his ambitions and critiques of the current administration, he urged Kenyans to prepare to “sort out issues at the ballot”, underscoring the democratic process as the only acceptable battleground.
The timing is no coincidence. Gachagua is expected to make a national TV appearance on April 7, where he’s likely to expand on his political stance following President William Ruto’s recent Mount Kenya tour, which has sparked renewed interest—and tension—within the region’s leadership circles.
As the country edges closer to another election cycle, Gachagua’s sermon-turned-strategy may be the opening chapter in a broader campaign—and a test of whether political restraint still resonates in an era of rising tension.
