Police officers have arrested 7 suspects in connection with the chaos witnessed at the Kariobangi North PCEA church on Sunday, November 30.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, the National Police Service (NPS) said the seven suspects were arrested in the Lucky Summer area.
The suspects include: Charles Otieno Opiyo, Wilson Okoth alias M.C. Otieno, Michael Mutunga Kavulunze, Brian Omondi Odhiambo alias 'Bryo', Reggy Opiyo Otwole, Elisha Otieno Ochieng and Gordon Odhiambo Onyango.
The service noted that the 7 suspects are being processed ahead of arraignment in court.
“The National Police Service (NPS) confirms the arrest of seven suspects linked to the Kariobangi North PCEA Church disturbances on Sunday, 30th November. The seven, all arrested within the Lucky Summer area, are being processed for appearance before a court of law,” NPS stated.
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The service also said more suspects will be apprehended upon the completion of investigations, including photographic and acoustic analysis reports.
Further, NPS called on Kenyans who witnessed the Sunday chaos or have information about the incident to report to the nearest police station.
“We further ask anyone who may have witnessed, or has any information regarding, the abhorrent incident last Sunday to contact the nearest police station, any law enforcement officer, or use the toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203) or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000,” NPS added.
Chaos erupted at the Kariobangi North PCEA church on Sunday as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led opposition leaders for a thanksgiving service for a recently elected ward representative.
According to the police, the disturbance arose from clashes between two groups of youths during the service.
The escalation forced officers to intervene quickly, which, unfortunately, led to the confrontation spilling into the church and briefly interrupting the ongoing service due to teargas.
"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," NPS said.
During the incident, six people sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, Gachagua accused the state of hiring goons to intimidate the public and target political opponents.
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," Gachagua stated.
