A group of women dressed as members of the AIPCA Women’s Council caused a big scene at a church service in Gatundu North on December 14, 2025. President William Ruto attended the event at AIPCA Karuri Church. Videos show the women heckling and cheering loudly during speeches. Many noticed their look: nose rings, silver teeth, makeup, tight trousers, and stockings. Such attire does not match the usual modest dress code for real AIPCA women.
The African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa quickly said these women were not real members. Church leaders described these women as hired individuals brought in by politicians. They pointed out the blue headscarves were fake, bought from markets and printed with the church logo. Official ones come only from headquarters in Nairobi.
Reports say about 50 women came from areas like Kiandutu slums, Majengo in Thika, Witeithie, and Kiambaa. Some videos show Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a signalling the group to shout louder or boo. She wore a headscarf too. Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia was also there supporting the same side.
The disruption happened during talks by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. He faced heckling from the group. But many in the congregation cheered for him instead. It turned into a show of rival politics in Kiambu County. Alice Ng’ang’a has eyes on the governor seat in 2027.
One woman from the group spoke out later. She said she is from Thika and got hired for the job. In a clip going around, she claims someone called “Mama Simba” paid them to attend and make noise. People online are trying to figure out who Mama Simba is. It is a nickname for MP Alice Ng’ang’a, the local organiser associated with the event.
Church members feel embarrassed. They say real AIPCA women dress decently and behave with respect in service. Archbishop Samson Muthuri has worked to clean up the church’s image. Now this incident has brought shame. Some members want the church to discipline the two MPs for bringing in outsiders.
President Ruto still gave donations during the visit. He promised money for a cathedral, a college, and a bus for the women’s council. But the chaos overshadowed that.
Alice Ng’ang’a spoke on December 18. She denied organising the hecklers. She said, ‘Look closely at who was causing trouble and who they support.’ She blamed county staff loyal to the governor.
This story blew up on social media. Clips of the women with nose rings and silver teeth went viral. People made jokes, but they also criticised turning the church into a political rally. Kenyan radio stations like Kameme FM talked about it a lot.
Politics mixing with church happens often here. But this time, the fake outfits and loud disruptions stood out. AIPCA says politicians are welcome, but no more stunts like this.
As Kiambu leaders gear up for future elections, tensions stay high. Residents in Gatundu and Thika talk about it in markets and matatus. Many just want peace in places of worship.
The church plans to continue welcoming everyone. But they warn against using the pulpit for fights. This event from last week keeps making headlines. More reactions might come as videos spread.
