Gunfire Erupts at Gachagua’s Church Visit in Kasarani Amid Youth Disruption
Tension gripped Nairobi’s Kasarani estate on Sunday after security officers attached to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua fired warning shots to disperse a rowdy group of youths attempting to disrupt a church service at PCEA Kasarani East Parish.
The chaos unfolded moments before Gachagua’s arrival at the venue, as the youths charged toward the church’s gate, allegedly demanding cash. According to video footage obtained by The Eastleigh Voice, security officers were forced to fire into the air to fend off the group. Some of the youths, dressed in military-style attire, managed to breach the church compound, vandalizing chairs and causing a commotion inside the sanctuary.
Several vehicles, including one reportedly associated with Gachagua, sustained damage, with windshields shattered during the fracas. The violent episode brought the Sunday service to an abrupt halt, forcing congregants to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses captured scenes of the confrontation, showing youths hurling stones and insults at Gachagua’s security team, who struggled to restore order in the absence of any visible presence from the National Police Service (NPS).
The presiding bishop of the church strongly condemned the violence, stating, “We have freedom of worship in Kenya, and the Constitution guarantees that you can visit any part of the country.” He emphasized that no political differences should interfere with religious gatherings.
The incident mirrors a previous confrontation in Nyeri on March 23, where Gachagua was briefly blocked from leaving ACK Cathedral by a similarly hostile group.
As of the time of publishing, the NPS had not issued an official statement regarding the Kasarani incident. Gachagua is expected to address the congregation later in the day, with growing anticipation over whether he will respond to recent remarks made by President William Ruto during his Mt Kenya tour.
The motive behind the attempted disruption remains unclear, but the event underscores the rising political tensions in the region as the country inches closer to the 2027 elections.
In other news: “I Will Win Again”: President Ruto Confident of 2027 Victory, Dismisses Opposition Threats
Gunfire Erupts at Gachagua’s Church Visit in Kasarani Amid Youth Disruption