NAIROBI, Kenya – Police have summoned at least five Members of Parliament allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for questioning in connection with the violent disruption of a church service and fundraiser in Mwiki, Nairobi, on Sunday.
The incident, which left worshippers terrified and led to property damage, has raised serious concerns over local law enforcement’s failure to prevent the chaos.
The MPs, who include Embakasi Central’s Benjamin Gathiru, Roysambu’s Augustine Kamande, Embakasi East’s Babu Owino, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, were linked to a group that stormed the PCEA church grounds, throwing stones and causing panic among congregants.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Gachagua’s political team may have been involved in orchestrating the mayhem.
Church elders have pointed fingers at the Mwiki Police Station for failing to respond adequately, despite being informed in advance about the political leaders’ attendance at the event.
The PCEA church leadership claims they had notified the police verbally on Saturday about the possible presence of Gachagua, although they did not provide a formal invitation list.
The violent confrontation unfolded when a group of boda boda riders, who had followed Gachagua’s convoy from Kangundo Road, arrived at the church and began demanding money from the politicians.
As tensions escalated, security officers protecting the politicians fired gunshots into the air to disperse the crowd.
It was only after the gunfire that police from the nearby Mwiki station intervened, managing to arrest five individuals and temporarily impound motorcycles.
However, the swift release of the suspects and the return of the motorcycles to their owners has raised suspicions about the seriousness of the police investigation.
“This is political propaganda,” said MP Gathiru, who added that he had not yet received any summons but was willing to cooperate.
He downplayed the incident, claiming it was part of a diversionary tactic against Gachagua’s camp.
The altercation resulted in significant property damage, including vehicles belonging to Gachagua and some MPs, which were pelted with stones.
A motorcycle believed to have been used by some of the attackers was also set on fire.
Gachagua has accused local police of deliberate inaction, claiming that despite the church being located just a short distance from Mwiki Police Station, the response was delayed.
“We are aware the Inspector General of Police asked officers not to intervene, but a few officers in plain clothes helped,” he said, adding that “they have a constitutional duty to protect life and property.”
The church leadership has praised the bravery of the men in the congregation, who reportedly prevented the situation from escalating further.
Reverend Simon Murigi Njaaga, who was leading the service, urged the congregation to remain calm, emphasizing that the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and movement.
