Churches Demand Apology From Murkomen, IG Kanja Over Violent Disruption of Worship Services

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Kenyan churches have demanded an unreserved apology from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following the violent disruption of church services by police

In a statement issued on Monday, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) condemned a recent incident in which police lobbed teargas canisters into the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Witima Parish in Othaya, Nyeri County, disrupting worship and causing panic among congregants

The NCCK said the incident violated the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to worship in both public and private spaces

“The Church expresses her grave concern about the desecration of places of worship by police,” the Council said

According to the NCCK, police officers failed to observe provisions of the Public Order Act and the National Police Service Act, which govern the conduct of law enforcement during public assemblies. The Council described the use of teargas inside a church as “intentional, unwarranted, and unprovoked,” adding that it was not only illegal and unconstitutional but also an attack on the Christian faith

The Council warned that the Nyeri incident reflects a worrying pattern, citing at least nine similar cases since 2020 where police have disrupted church services using teargas

These include incidents at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Murang’a County, Chosen Generation Church in Nakuru, All Saints’ Cathedral and Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, PEFA Church in Nyandarua, Africa Inland Church in Subukia, PCEA Kariobangi North, and an AIPCA church in Kiambu County

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NCCK further expressed concern that no disciplinary action has ever been taken against officers involved in the previous incidents

“The police officers who deliberately broke the law have not been interdicted, investigated, prosecuted or otherwise held accountable, indicating state approval at the highest level,” the statement read

During Sunday’s incident in Nyeri, teargas canisters were reportedly thrown into the church, causing fear and forcing the service to stop. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies were among those in attendance

The National Police Service later said the incident led to damage to several vehicles parked within the church compound, but no injuries were reported