Gachagua allies encounter police roadblocks after church service
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 20, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies, led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, were met by a police roadblock after leaving Subukia town following a church service at Subukia AIC on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Police had erected roadblocks, forcing the team to stop. A contingent of officers was stationed on the road, prompting the entourage led by Cleophas Malala to engage with channel with the police to address the issue.
The politicians appeared visibly agitated as they tried to engage the police commander, drawing the attention of the public. Despite the noise from the crowd, the commander could be heard stating that the group had not notified the local administration about the rally they had held in Subukia town. The Nyandarua senator, John Methu, who was part of the entourage, was heard emphasising that all Kenyans have equal rights regardless of political affiliation.
The incident drew massive attention from the public.
Speaking in church
While in church, the politicians claimed that the church leadership had been issued instructions not to allow them to fellowship or participate in the service. Kajiado North MP called for religious tolerance, criticising the president for interfering with worship.
He noted that while the president was attending a service at an AIC church in Machakos, efforts were being made to disrupt their service at Subukia AIC. He reminded the congregation that freedom of worship is guaranteed in the Constitution.
“Pia wewe uko kanisani AIC huko Machakos; sisi tuko hapa. Wacha AIC ya hapa isivurugwe na. wewe uko AIC kanisa pengine freedom of worship is guaranteed in the constitution.”
Earlier on, Cleophas Malala led the party’s delegation in attending a church service at AIC Subukia in Nakuru County.
In a statement shared via the party’s X page, Malala was accompanied by Nyandarua Senator Joth Methu and Kajiado legislator Onesmus Ngogoyo, among other grassroots leaders who joined the church faithful for the day’s service.
“DCP National leaders led by Deputy Party Leader Sen. Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator Methu attending church service at AIC Subukia and thereafter meet the people tours,” a statement from the party read.