KARIOBANGI NORTH, Kenya — Chaos erupted at a church service in Kariobangi North after hired goons reportedly stormed the gathering, forcing security forces to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly accused President William Ruto and his administration of orchestrating a violent attack on a church service in Kariobangi North, alleging that hired “goons” and police targeted worshippers — including women and children — in retaliation for rejecting the ruling party’s candidate.
In a social media post earlier today, Gachagua condemned what he described as a brutal and indiscriminate assault on civilians. “It is unfortunate and disturbing that … Kenya is being turned into a militia country where women, children and churches have become key targets of lethal attacks,” he wrote.
Gachagua claimed that two of his supporters were shot and wounded during the incident, and accused security forces of deploying tear gas inside the church compound.
He said: “Sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church, Kariobangi North today … shows how desperate you are.”
He went on to denounce the act as a desecration of a holy place and warned of moral and political consequences: “You have desecrated the altar and defiled a holy place. God will punish you.”
Gachagua added that the more the government uses force against civilians and their leaders, “the more you harden their resolve against your unpopular leadership.”
Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing tensions following a series of by-elections and allegations of political violence in several constituencies nationwide.
Meanwhile, community and religious leaders in Kariobangi North have called for calm, urging authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure accountability.
As investigations proceed, all eyes are now on the police leadership and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which is under increasing pressure to guarantee peaceful political contests in the lead-up to 2027.
