Tensions flared at PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Sunday when a group of unidentified individuals disrupted a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The chaos briefly interrupted the fundraiser event, with gunshots ringing out as Gachagua’s security detail moved to restore order.
Several of the former DP’s vehicles were damaged during the incident. Despite the disruption, normalcy was restored, and the service resumed shortly afterward.
Gachagua pointed an accusing finger at President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, claiming the two were behind the church attack—a move he termed a violation of basic constitutional freedoms.
“Even if you eliminate Gachagua, it won’t change anything,” he said. “Sending goons into a church? What happened to you, Mr. President? These are the same Christians who prayed for you.”
He condemned the alleged move to suppress political opposition, accusing the state of weaponizing goons and instructing police to stand down. “We were sitting in a church, wondering why the President would stoop so low to send people to attack worshippers,” he added.
Gachagua linked Sunday’s incident to a pattern of disruptions at events he’s attended, referencing similar occurrences in Limuru (November 2024), Nyandarua (December), and more recently in Naivasha and Nyeri. He also claimed that police officers at Kasarani had orders not to intervene.
The former deputy president, who has announced plans to launch his political party next month, vowed not to be provoked into violence.
“I will not respond with violence, because that’s exactly what they want—to find an excuse to delay the elections,” he said.
Former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala, who was present at the church, also blamed the President, expressing solidarity with Gachagua.
“He came to worship. Yet, he’s still being followed. That’s not only inhumane, but unpresidential,” Malala said. “You can buy loyalty, send police away—but leadership comes from God.”
The presiding pastor condemned the chaos, urging respect for places of worship. “It’s unfortunate that such violence unfolded in church. Our Constitution guarantees the freedom to worship and to move freely across the country,” he said.
Other leaders at the event echoed similar sentiments, warning against political intimidation and the erosion of civil liberties. Among those who spoke were MPs Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Amos Mwago (Starehe), and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu.
They urged Mt Kenya residents to remain united and resist efforts to sow division within the region.
As political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 elections, the incident at Kasarani adds to growing concerns about shrinking political space and the use of intimidation tactics against perceived dissenters.
