Police Launch Investigation Into Violence In Kariobangi Church
The National Police Service (NPS) has initiated a complete investigation into a violent incident that disrupted a religious service at the Kariobangi North PCEA religious, injuring six individuals.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was present and alleged that police had deliberately targeted the gathering to “punish the people of Kariobangi North” for voting against the UDA candidate in the area’s ongoing political fight.
He alleged that during the event, police and “goons” opened fire, seriously injuring two Democratic Change Party (DCP) members.
PRESS STATEMENT : CLARIFICATION ON THE DISTURBANCE AT KARIOBANGI NORTH PCEA CHURCH AND A CALL FOR RESTRAINT pic.twitter.com/U6lbqAhGb0
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) November 30, 2025
Gachagua further said that tear gas was used within the church compound, endangering clergy, women, and children who had congregated there.
He described the incident as “a defilement of a holy place.” The injured were treated at nearby medical facilities.
However, according to police spokesman Michael Muchiri, the incident occurred during a Thanksgiving service for a ward candidate who had just won a byelection.
As the ceremony neared its conclusion, two police officers stationed at the church allegedly noticed a large number of boisterous adolescents armed with crude weapons attempting to force their way into the premises.
A second group of adolescents arrived, apparently intending to confront the first group, leading authorities to intervene to prevent further escalation.
The fight spilt into the church, temporarily disrupting the service. Six people were hurt during the confrontation and taken to the hospital for treatment.
ALSO READ:
- Kenya’s David Munyua Heads Back To PDC World Darts Championship
- A Man Dies In Police Custody, Family Says Victim Had Mental Illness
- DP Kindiki Makes A Ksh39 Billion Projects’ Pledge To Meru, Slams Local Leaders
- FKF Issues Way Forward On Kenya Premier League’s New Season
- Court Rules On 8 Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects, Explains Reasons Behind
Muchiri described the disturbance as “planned and premeditated.”
The Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been directed to deploy all available resources to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, he said.
The NPS also moved to dispel claims that tear gas had been fired into the church, saying church leadership confirmed that no such incident occurred. The service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2:00 p.m.
The same people who tear-gassed kids of Lang'ata primary school some 9 years ago, have today teargassed Sunday School kids in PCEA Kariobangi😭 pic.twitter.com/0OfrYFdt3K
— PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) November 30, 2025
Police condemned the violence, particularly in a place of worship, and extended sympathies to those injured.
Police Launch Investigation Into Violence In Kariobangi Church
