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Clashes erupt at AIPCA church event in Gatundu South as police intervene
11th January, 2026 08:01 PM
Tension and violence rocked Kiamworia village in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, after goons attempted to disrupt an African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) service, forcing local youths to confront them in running battles that later drew police intervention.
The incident occurred during a church service on Sunday, January 11, 2026, organised to welcome a new pastor, an event that had attracted several political leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
According to eyewitnesses, by around 10:00 a.m., several buses and Nissan matatus ferrying groups of men suspected to be hired goons made their way into the village.
However, local youths, who had vowed to guard the church service from any form of disruption, mobilised and managed to block their access.
“We had information that people were being brought here to cause chaos in the church. We could not allow outsiders to disrupt a peaceful worship service,” a youth who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals stated.
The confrontation quickly escalated, forcing the suspected goons to retreat.
Calm briefly returned before police officers arrived at the scene, an action that shifted the focus of the confrontation from the goons to law enforcement.
Residents accused the police of using excessive force after officers lobbed teargas canisters at youths and congregants, sparking a three-hour standoff.
“Instead of protecting worshippers, the police turned against us. They started throwing teargas everywhere, even inside the church compound,” said Ruth Wanjiku,a member of the church.
The teargas spread into the church compound, affecting congregants, including women and children, who were forced to flee the service while shielding themselves from the choking fumes.
“Children were crying, women were fainting, and we were forced to abandon prayers. This was supposed to be a holy day,” lamented Salome Wacuka, a congregant.
In the chaos, one bus alleged to have ferried the goons was vandalised, while another had its tyres deflated by angry residents.
No fatalities were reported, though several people were treated for teargas inhalation.
Gachagua condemns the incident
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was present at the event alongside a host of opposition leaders, strongly condemned the incident, accusing the government of using state machinery to intimidate critics and disrupt opposition-linked gatherings.
“This government has made it a habit to attack people even in church. Places of worship should remain sacred and free from political intimidation,” Gachagua said.
He accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating violence to silence dissenting voices, terming the actions as “state-sponsored thuggery.”
Gachagua further claimed that President Ruto was secretly plotting to weaken the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by encouraging internal leadership wrangles to maintain influence over the party from outside government.
“There is a clear scheme to destabilise ODM so that it can be controlled indirectly. Kenyans must see through these tricks,” he claimed.
Defends Uhuru
At the same time, Gachagua came out strongly in defence of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has recently faced sharp criticism from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is a former Head of State. I will do everything possible to defend him from these relentless attacks,” he said.
He further hinted at the possibility of a united opposition seeking Uhuru Kenyatta’s support ahead of the next general election.
“If the time comes, the opposition will not hesitate to consult and seek guidance from President Uhuru Kenyatta in the quest to liberate this country,” Gachagua added.
“Using violence and intimidation will not silence Kenyans. The government must respect freedom of worship and political expression,” said Senator Thang’wa.
