On Sunday, April 6, 2025, chaos broke out at PCEA Kasarani East Parish moments before the arrival of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, involved a group of rowdy youths attempting to disrupt a church service, prompting security officers to fire warning shots in the air to restore order.
According to video footage obtained by Citizen Digital, Gachagua’s security team responded swiftly after the group tried to storm through the church gates. Though Gachagua had not yet arrived at the scene, the situation escalated rapidly, leading to panic among churchgoers. Several vehicles in the vicinity were damaged, with windshields reportedly shattered.
The confrontation intensified in a tent adjacent to the main sanctuary, used as an overflow area for worshippers. Plastic chairs were seen flying through the air as the unruly crowd clashed with church members. Shortly afterward, more gunshots were heard from the parking lot, dispersing the group without reported injuries.
Upon Gachagua’s arrival, tension remained high. He was accompanied by a host of political allies including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Starehe MP Amos Mwago – all of whom condemned the incident in strong terms.
Senator Nyutu went as far as to accuse President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the chaos. “If Ruto and Sakaja were involved in today’s incident inside the church, then their leadership is like the writing on the wall – mene mene tekel. You cannot bring such disruption to a place where we worship our God,” Nyutu stated.
The church’s resident pastor calmed the congregation following the unrest. He reassured them that security had been heightened and emphasized that every Kenyan, including politicians, has the right to worship freely and without intimidation.
The chaos at PCEA Kasarani comes just a day after President Ruto concluded a political tour of the Mount Kenya region. Political analysts view Gachagua’s church visit – and the subsequent disruption – as part of growing tensions within the ruling coalition and the wider Mount Kenya political landscape.
Gachagua is expected to address the public in a nationally televised interview on Monday, April 7, where he will likely speak on the incident, his strained relationship with President Ruto, and the shifting political dynamics in Central Kenya.
As the 2027 election season begins to take shape, Sunday’s dramatic events may mark a turning point in Kenya’s political discourse
