The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement on the events that led to chaos at PCEA Church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30.
In a statement, NPS said the disturbance arose from clashes between two groups of youths during a Thanksgiving service for a recently elected ward representative.
The service explained that police officers at the scene acted after detecting an imminent threat outside the church.
"The National Police Service (NPS) acknowledges a regrettable incident that occurred earlier today at the Kariobangi North PCEA church and wishes to issue the following clarification.
"A celebratory and thanksgiving service was being held for a successful ward candidate following the recent by-election. 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," the statement read.
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The NPS added that tensions rose sharply when another group of youths approached, appearing ready to confront the first group.
The service said this escalation forced officers to intervene quickly, which unfortunately caused the confrontation to spill into the church and briefly interrupt the ongoing service.
"It was further observed that another group of youths approached the scene, apparently to confront the first group. Police moved in quickly to quell the escalating situation, which regrettably spilt into the church, temporarily disrupting the service," the statement added.
The NPS confirmed that several people were injured during the confrontation and required emergency medical attention.
It said the nature of the violence suggested that the clashes were not spontaneous but had been organised in advance.
"We can confirm that six individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital. The nature of these disturbances appears both planned and premeditated," the statement further read.
The NPS also stated that the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been instructed to investigate the events.
"The Nairobi Regional Police Commander, alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has been directed to use all available resources to investigate this callous and regrettable incident thoroughly," the statement read.
The NPS went on to clarify claims circulating on social media alleging that a tear gas canister had been thrown inside the church by police.
"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," the statement continued.
The NPS condemned the actions that disrupted the service and expressed sympathy to those injured, while highlighting the sanctity of places of worship.
"The NPS takes great exception to such callous acts, particularly when directed at a place of worship, which is considered a sanctuary. We also extend our sympathies to the six individuals who were injured and wish them a speedy recovery," the statement concluded.
Earlier Sunday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a statement following the chaos.
In his statement, the former DP accused President William Ruto of using state force and hired groups to intimidate the public and target political opponents.
"It is unfortunate and disturbing that William Ruto is turning Kenya into a militia Country where women, children and churches have become his key targets of lethal attacks," he said.
Gachagua argued that the chaos at the church was politically motivated, blaming the confrontation on retaliation against residents for rejecting a UDA candidate in the just concluded by-elections.
"For the record, William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church, Kariobangi North, today, to punish the people of Kariobangi North for rejecting your UDA Candidate, shows how desperate you are.
"Today, your police and goons opened fire and shot two DCP supporters who are now nursing serious gunshot wounds," he added.
Gachagua also accused authorities of violating the sanctity of the church by deploying teargas inside the compound.
"Directing police to throw tear gas in a church to harm the clergy, women and children is the lowest a leader can go. You have desecrated the Altar and defiled a Holy Place, and for sure God will punish you," he further said.
Gachagua added that the use of force would only intensify public resistance to the current leadership.
"Much as I appreciate your frustrations, the more you send goons and police to attack the public and their leaders, the more you harden their resolve against your unpopular leadership," he concluded.
