Police explain what transpired in Kariobangi North church teargas incident
By Mustafa Juma, November 30, 2025The National Police Service (NPS) has issued an official clarification following Sunday’s disturbance at the Kariobangi North PCEA Church, an incident that sparked public outrage and widespread speculation after reports suggested that police officers had lobbed teargas into a place of worship.
In a statement released by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah on Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Service termed the incident “regrettable” but clarified that the situation was the result of a violent confrontation between two rival groups of armed youths, not an assault on churchgoers.
According to the police, the church was hosting a thanksgiving service for a ward candidate who had recently won a by-election.
As the service was nearing its end, two officers on duty noticed a large, rowdy group of youths armed with crude weapons attempting to forcefully enter the church compound. The officers immediately called for reinforcements as the situation escalated.
“The National Police Service (NPS) acknowledges a regrettable incident that occurred earlier today at the Kariobangi North PCEA church and wishes to issue the following clarification. A celebratory and thanksgiving service was being held for a successful ward candidate following the recent by-election,” the statement read in part.
“Towards the end of the service, two police officers on security duty noted a large group of rowdy youths, armed with crude weapons, attempting to force their way into the church. The two officers promptly called for reinforcements. 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 spilled into the church, temporarily disrupting the service.”
Six injured
NPS confirmed that six individuals were injured during the melee and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Early assessments indicate that the clash appeared “both planned and premeditated.”
Crucially, the Service refuted circulating claims that officers threw a teargas canister inside the church.
“We can confirm that six individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital. The nature of these disturbances appears both planned and premeditated,” Muchiri stated.
The Nairobi Regional Police Commander, alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation and bring to book those responsible for orchestrating the violence.
“The Nairobi Regional Police Commander, alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has been directed to use all available resources to investigate this callous and regrettable incident thoroughly. The Service also wishes to correct misinformation alleging that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church. Church leadership have been contacted and have denied that this occurred. The service later resumed and concluded peacefully at 2:00 PM,” NPS stated.
Gachagua blames Ruto
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had issued a hard-hitting statement calling out President William Ruto for presiding over what he described as increasing attacks on innocent worshippers, women, children, and clergy, following chaos that broke out at PCEA Kariobangi North Church.
Gachagua shared the statement on his official Facebook account on Sunday, November 30, 2025, shortly after police fired teargas inside and outside the church during a thanksgiving service attended by him and other leaders, a morning that left children choking, congregants fleeing in panic, and, according to Gachagua, two supporters of the Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) with gunshot wounds.
The service had been organised to celebrate the victory of David Warui, the DCP candidate who won the Kariobangi North MCA seat in the Thursday, November 30, 2025, by-election held on Thursday.