Seven arrested over Kariobangi North church chaos as police pursue more suspects
Police added that more arrests are expected once investigators conclude photographic and acoustic analysis reports.
The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested seven suspects in connection with the disturbances that broke out at Kariobangi North PCEA Church on Sunday, November 30, during a thanksgiving ceremony attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement, NPS said the suspects were apprehended within the Lucky Summer area and were being processed for court appearance.
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The seven include: Charles Otieno Opiyo, Wilson Okoth alias M.C. Otieno, Michael Mutunga Kavulunze, Brian Omondi Odhiambo alias Bryo, Reggy Opiyo Otwole, Elisha Otieno Ochieng and Gordon Odhiambo Onyango.
Police added that more arrests are expected once investigators conclude photographic and acoustic analysis reports.
NPS urged the public to share any information about the incident that can assist in the ongoing investigations.
“We further ask anyone who may have witnessed, or has any information regarding, the abhorrent incident last Sunday to contact the nearest police station, any law enforcement officer, or use the toll-free numbers: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203) or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000,” the Service said.
The Service reiterated its commitment to public safety, stating that all criminal acts would be addressed “firmly within the confines of the law.”
The arrests followed President William Ruto’s directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, instructing him to take strong legal action against individuals accused of hiring youths to fuel violence.
Speaking on Monday during the graduation of 1,837 officers at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, President Ruto said Kenya would not tolerate activities that undermine national security.
“We are a country that follows the rule of law. Those who use young people as goons to cause chaos, fight citizens, and bring harm are people we cannot tolerate. I have already instructed our Inspector General of Police that all these individuals must face strict legal action so that we can end hooliganism and the activities that undermine safety in our nation of Kenya,” he said.
According to police, two rival groups of youths armed with crude weapons clashed both inside and outside the church, forcing officers on duty to call for backup. Several people were injured and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The NPS dismissed claims that officers lobbed teargas inside the church, terming the allegations “misinformation.” It, however, noted that the incident was a “regrettable” disturbance but insisted no teargas was deployed in the sanctuary.
Gachagua accused President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of orchestrating the unrest, warning that such tactics risked alienating residents.
“We have reached a point in the Republic of Kenya where William Ruto wants to force us to support him through intimidation. He has sent goons and police to assault the people of Kariobangi North simply because they did not elect a UDA candidate,” he said.
“William Ruto, let me give you free advice; you are radicalising the Kikuyu nation, and that is exactly the mistake the colonial government made. Each time you send goons to attack leaders and citizens, this community grows to resent you even more. Those advising you are misleading you.”
He linked the chaos to the recent Kariobangi North by-election, where the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate won, and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate finished fourth.
He also criticised Governor Sakaja, saying, “And I tell you, Governor, my supporters voted for you. Why are you allowing Ruto to use you to send goons to harass your own community? Why? These people voted for you, yet you have turned against them. Now Ruto is sending you with goons to attack this community because he doesn’t want you to succeed.”
Gachagua insisted the government cannot coerce political support. “You cannot get the support of this community by force. If you ask Ruto about Narok, he will tell you he tried to use intimidation to make the people support a UDA candidate, and they refused.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also reacted to the incident, vowing action against the widespread practice of mobilising armed groups for political events.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country where politicians, when they want to go for meetings, mobilise goons to cheer them. They are carrying machetes, rungus and other things. The most important thing we have to deal with in the next few months is to make sure we deal with the issue of goons across the country, and this must be done without fear or favour, it must be done indiscriminately,” Murkomen said.
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