National Police Service officials have strongly refuted social media claims that tear gas canisters were lobbed inside PCEA Kariobangi North Church on Sunday morning during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Police say they have contacted the church leadership, who confirmed no tear gas was used anywhere on the church compound.
The controversy erupted after several short video clips circulated online showing congregants coughing and wiping their eyes inside the main sanctuary shortly after Mr Gachagua arrived for the 10 am service. Netizens quickly alleged that plainclothes officers accompanying the former DP had deployed tear gas to clear space or intimidate perceived hecklers.
Speaking at a press briefing outside Central Police Station, Nairobi Regional Police Commander categorically denied the tear gas reports at PCEA Kariobangi North Church. “We have spoken directly to the session clerk and the presiding pastor. They have assured us that at no time was any tear gas canister detonated inside or outside the church,” the commander told journalists.
Church elders who addressed the media after the service echoed the police position. The PCEA Kariobangi North presiding cleric explained that a combination of dust raised by late-arriving worshippers and a brief malfunction of the air conditioning system caused the irritation. “Some people started coughing because of the dust from the parking area when vehicles were rushing in. There was absolutely no tear gas,” the cleric insisted.
Police have now urged anyone with credible evidence contradicting the official version to present it at the nearest station. “We are ready to receive any witness who saw police officers throw tear gas inside a place of worship. So far nobody has come forward with such information,” the regional commander added.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been attending church services across the country since his impeachment, downplayed the incident while leaving the premises. Escorted by a reduced security detail, he told waiting reporters that the service proceeded peacefully and urged his supporters to ignore online propaganda.
Political analysts say the tear gas reports at PCEA Kariobangi North Church fit into a pattern of amplified online narratives surrounding Mr Gachagua’s public appearances. Similar unverified claims of disruptions surfaced during his recent visits to Meru and Nyeri counties, only to be dismissed later by local police and church leaders.
The area MP called for calm and asked residents to verify information before sharing. “Kariobangi is peaceful. Let us not allow fake videos to cause unnecessary tension between the community and security agencies,” the legislator said.
Dozens of youth who had gathered outside the church compound to catch a glimpse of the former Deputy President dispersed quietly after the service ended at around 1 pm. Police maintained a light presence along Outer Ring Road throughout the morning but reported no arrests or injuries.
The National Police Service has promised to release official CCTV footage from nearby business premises if the online allegations persist.
For now, both the church leadership and security agencies maintain that Sunday morning at PCEA Kariobangi North was calm and orderly, with the tear gas reports at PCEA Kariobangi North Church appearing to be another case of viral misinformation in Kenya’s highly charged political atmosphere.
As Mr Gachagua continues his nationwide tour, security agencies say they remain committed to protecting all leaders while urging the public to rely solely on verified information from official sources.