Police deny lobbing teargas into Kariobangi North PCEA church

The National Police Service has dismissed reports that its officers lobbed teargas into Kariobangi North PCEA church on Sunday.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving ceremony for newly-elected Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly, David Warui, when the fracas erupted.

As the church service continued, two opposing groups of youths began shouting accusations at each other, leading to a tensed moment.

Police officers on site are said to have tried to separate the groups and clear the blocked road, but when efforts failed, they fired warning shots and deployed teargas.

NPS has now dismissed Gachagua’s claim that it fired teargas into the church where the congregation was gathered

“Towards the end of the service, two police officers on security duty noted a large group of rowdy youths, armed with crude weapons, attempting to force their way into the church. The two officers promptly called for reinforcements,” said NPS.  

“Police moved in quickly to quell the escalating situation, which regrettably spilled into the church, temporarily disrupting the service,” added NPS.

The police further confirmed that 6 people were injured in the melee and rushed to hospital. It added that the incident appeared to have been planned and premeditated.

“The Service also wishes to correct misinformation alleging that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church. Church leadership have been contacted and has denied that this occurred. The service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2:00 PM,” said NPS.

The Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI have launched investigations into the incident.  

However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the chaos.