NAIROBI, Kenya — In a moment that felt straight out of a political thriller, a Sunday church service turned chaotic when unidentified individuals stormed a sanctuary where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was worshipping.
What followed was a brief but unnerving security scare, complete with shouting, resistance from church members — and even gunshots.
Gachagua, visibly shaken but unharmed, was quickly secured by his security detail, as congregants and clergy scrambled to maintain calm inside the sacred space.
The service, held in what was expected to be a peaceful morning of worship, descended into chaos shortly after Gachagua arrived.
THIS IS UTTERLY UNGODLY. LEAVE YOUR BACKWARD AND PRIMITIVE POLITICAL WARS OUT OF PLACES OF WORSHIP. TODAY WAS AIPCA KENOL RE-LOADED. THE LIGHTNING THAT WILL STRIKE US IS STILL LOADING. POLE SANA @rigathi
Eyewitnesses reported a group attempting to force its way into the church, creating a tense standoff that briefly compromised the safety of those in attendance.
As the invaders clashed with congregants, the presiding bishop urged calm, repeating, “Let us remain calm, please,” over the hum of fear and confusion.
Security forces eventually arrived to disperse the intruders, restoring peace so the service could continue.
Gachagua, speaking later, questioned the motivations behind the attempted disruption.
“I don’t understand why goons were sent to attack us during a church service. I won’t say much for now—I have an interview tomorrow and I have things to say,” he said, hinting at revelations to come.
Moses Kuria Reacts: “Utterly Ungodly”
It didn’t take long for President William Ruto’s senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, to weigh in. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kuria didn’t mince his words.
Breaking News: President Ruto’s senior advisor Moses Kuria has condemned today’s goon attack targeting a church attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua terming it primitive.“The lighting that will strike us is still loading,” Kuria warned.He added “Pole Rigathi
“This is utterly ungodly. Leave your backward and primitive political wars out of places of worship. Today was AIPCA Kenol reloaded. The lightning that will strike us is still loading. Pole sana Gachagua.”
Kuria’s reaction references the infamous AIPCA Kenol chaos, a 2020 incident that similarly saw political violence erupt in a church setting.
Whether this attack was a targeted political move or the reckless actions of fringe elements, the takeaway is clear: Kenya’s political class needs to draw the line.
