Chaos broke out in Kariobangi North Estate on Sunday, November 30, after rival political groups clashed outside the PCEA church where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had gone for a Thanksgiving service.
The confrontation began shortly before noon when a group of youths—allegedly mobilised to disrupt the event—confronted another faction believed to be backing Gachagua. The two sides engaged in loud, aggressive exchanges only meters from the church entrance, quickly drawing the attention of police officers stationed nearby.
As tensions intensified, the rival factions blocked the access road to the church, prompting police to intervene. Officers fired shots in the air and lobbed tear gas canisters in an attempt to break up the clashing groups, who initially refused to disperse. Footage from the scene showed residents and passersby running for cover as the chaos spilled over into nearby businesses.
Inside the church, the service was briefly interrupted for about five minutes as fumes from the tear gas drifted into the building. Congregants were seen covering their noses with handkerchiefs while Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejjadonk continued delivering his remarks.
Although no major injuries were reported, a heavy police presence remained around the church as the service proceeded.
The incident occurred just three days after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate David Warui won the Kariobangi North MCA seat. According to the IEBC, Warui secured 2,282 votes, edging out independent candidate Kimanzi John Katua, who garnered 1,956 votes. The victory strengthened DCP’s visibility in the region, with Warui terming it a defining moment for the party and the ward.
Gachagua had attended the church to join Warui’s Thanksgiving celebration when the clashes unfolded. DCP is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
