Police Deny Lobbing Teargas Into Kariobangi North PCEA Church

By : Mweru Mbugua

The National Police Service (NPS) has denied claims that its officers hurled teargas canisters into the Kariobangi North PCEA Church during a Sunday incident

The disturbance occurred during a thanksgiving service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in honour of newly elected Kariobangi North MCA, David Warui

Tensions rose when two rival groups of youths began shouting at each other outside the church

According to police, officers at the scene attempted to separate the groups and clear a blocked road

When the situation escalated and their efforts failed, they fired warning shots and used teargas to disperse the crowd

NPS has now dismissed Gachagua’s allegation that teargas was thrown inside the church where the congregation was gathered

“Towards the end of the service, two police officers on duty noticed a large group of rowdy youths, armed with crude weapons, trying to force their way into the church

The officers immediately called for reinforcements,” the NPS said

“Police moved in swiftly to quell the escalating situation, which unfortunately spilled into the church, temporarily disrupting the service,” the statement added

Police confirmed that six people were injured in the clashes and taken to hospital. They further stated that the incident appeared to be planned and premeditated

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“We wish to correct misinformation alleging that a teargas canister was thrown into the church. The church leadership has confirmed that this did not happen

The service resumed and ended peacefully at 2:00 PM,” NPS said

The Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations into the incident

Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the chaos