NEWS JUST IN: Gunshots as Chaos Erupt in Kariobangi During Gachagua's Church Service

A peaceful Sunday morning in Kariobangi North Estate turned chaotic after rival groups of youths clashed outside the PCEA church where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a Thanksgiving service. 

The confrontation, which happened shortly before noon, forced police officers to intervene as tensions rose dangerously close to the church entrance.

According to residents who witnessed the incident, the trouble began when one group of youths approached the church while chanting political slogans. 

Another group, believed to be supporters of Gachagua, confronted them in what quickly escalated into a heated standoff. 

The confrontation blocked the main access road to the church, causing panic among worshippers who had already gathered for the service.

Police officers on patrol responded immediately after noticing the growing tension. Footage from the scene showed officers rushing to separate the two factions, but the youths refused to back down. 

In an attempt to control the situation, police lobbed tear gas canisters and fired shots in the air to disperse the crowds.

This sudden escalation sent residents, traders, and passersby running for cover. Businesses near the church were forced to close as smoke from the tear gas spread across the surrounding streets. 

Even inside the church, congregants felt the effects of the fumes as they covered their noses with handkerchiefs, attempting to continue with the service.

For several minutes, the service came to a standstill. Embakasi Central Member of Parliament Benjamin Mejjadonk, who was addressing the congregation at the time, paused his speech while worshippers tried to contain the discomfort caused by the tear gas that had drifted inside.

Despite the disruption, no serious injuries were reported. Security teams remained stationed outside the church long after calm was restored to ensure the service continued without further interference. 

Families leaving the service later described the incident as frightening but commended the officers for acting quickly to prevent greater violence.

The clashes come just days after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) won the Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly seat. 

DCP candidate David Warui secured the victory with 2,282 votes, defeating independent candidate Kimanzi John Katua. 

The win was seen as a significant boost for the party and its political momentum in the area.

Gachagua had attended the Sunday Thanksgiving service in support of Warui, who had invited local leaders and residents to celebrate the victory. 

Many believe the earlier election results may have contributed to the tensions, with political rivalry still high among competing groups.

Although the motive behind the confrontation remains unclear, some locals claimed that certain individuals had been sponsored to disrupt the event. 

Others pointed fingers at political rivalries that have intensified ahead of the 2027 General Election. Police have not yet issued an official statement confirming the cause of the clashes.

After order was restored, the service proceeded with heavy police presence around the church. Officers remained vigilant, monitoring movements along the main road and ensuring no further disruptions occurred. 

Residents later expressed concern that political clashes in their area were becoming more frequent and urged leaders to discourage violence among their supporters.

The DCP party is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, several local leaders present at the church condemned the violence and called for calm as the community adjusts to the results of the recently concluded by-election.