At least 15 people have been arrested following chaotic clashes at a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Gatundu, Kiambu County.
Police said the suspects are being interrogated for offences including malicious damage to property and participating in an unlawful assembly.
The violence erupted outside the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, on Sunday, disrupting the service and injuring several people.
Authorities reported that rival youth groups armed with batons engaged in a standoff, prompting officers to deploy teargas to disperse the mob.
The commotion also caused traffic chaos along the Kiamworia–Gatundu South Road and resulted in at least three vehicles being vandalized, with windows smashed. One driver accused of ferrying the youths denied any wrongdoing.
Several worshippers suffered from teargas inhalation, and three police officers were treated for injuries caused by flying debris before the situation was contained around 3 pm.
Gachagua, present with leaders including Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, accused government actors of orchestrating the disruption while police tried to maintain order.
He also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against claims of sowing discord within ODM and highlighted efforts to improve education infrastructure.
This incident adds to a growing list of events attended by Gachagua that have faced violent disruptions. Police, however, insist that investigations are ongoing and that accountability will follow for those involved.
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