Gunshots as Chaos Erupt in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North During Church Service Attended by Gachagua

Gunshots as Chaos Erupt in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North During Church Service Attended by Gachagua

Nairobi, Kenya – Tensions flared in Kariobangi North Estate on Sunday, November 30, after rival political groups clashed outside the PCEA church where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving service. The incident disrupted worship and sent residents fleeing as police fired shots in the air to restore order.

The violence broke out minutes before noon when a group of youths, alleged to have been sponsored to disrupt the event, confronted another faction believed to be Gachagua’s supporters. Witnesses reported heated exchanges just meters from the church entrance, with the confrontation quickly escalating into chaos.

Police Intervention

Police officers, who had been deployed in anticipation of possible unrest, moved swiftly to disperse the rival groups. Armed officers lobbed tear gas canisters and fired warning shots in the air as the youths blocked the road leading to the church.

Footage from the scene showed residents and passersby scampering for safety as businesses in the estate temporarily shut down. The church service was halted for about five minutes as congregants struggled to cope with the effects of tear gas fumes.

“Congregants could be seen covering their noses with handkerchiefs as Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejjadonk delivered his speech,” one witness recounted.

Despite the disruption, no serious injuries were reported. A heavy police presence remained in the area as the service resumed under tight security.

Political Context

The incident comes just three days after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate David Warui won the Kariobangi North Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat. According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Warui garnered 2,282 votes, defeating independent candidate Kimanzi John Katua, who received 1,956 votes.

Warui hailed his victory as a milestone for his party.

“This win is a defining moment not just for Kariobangi North but for the DCP as a whole,” Warui said after being declared winner.

Sunday’s thanksgiving service at the PCEA church was organised in his honour, with Gachagua attending to show support. However, the outbreak of violence overshadowed the celebrations.

Rising Political Tensions

Analysts say the Kariobangi North clash reflects growing political tensions in Nairobi’s estates, where rival parties are competing for influence ahead of future elections. The DCP’s victory has been viewed as a boost for smaller parties seeking to challenge established political outfits.

Gachagua’s presence at the thanksgiving service was seen as an endorsement of Warui’s win, but the confrontation outside the church highlighted the volatile nature of grassroots politics.

While the DCP has yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, residents expressed concern over the disruption of worship and the use of violence in political contests.

Conclusion

The Kariobangi North chaos underscores the challenges of maintaining peace during politically charged events. Although police managed to contain the situation without casualties, the incident disrupted worshippers and raised questions about the growing intensity of political rivalries in Nairobi.

As the dust settles, the thanksgiving service for Warui’s victory will be remembered not only for the celebration of a political milestone but also for the gunshots and tear gas that briefly turned a place of worship into a scene of confrontation.

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Gunshots as Chaos Erupt in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North During Church Service Attended by Gachagua