Ruto used Sakaja to send goons to disrupt church service, Gachagua claims

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating the disruption of a church service at PCEA Kasarani East Parish, alleging that thugs were deployed through Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to cause chaos during the event.

Speaking after the service, Gachagua expressed confusion over the incident, questioning its timing and the motives behind the disruption.

“I don’t understand why thugs were sent to attack us during a church service. I won’t say much for now because I have an interview tomorrow, and I have a lot to say. Unfortunately, there are deliberate efforts to restrict our freedom to move around the country and associate with like-minded individuals,” Gachagua said.

“I didn’t mind Ruto sending goons after me—but in church? Honestly? What has become of you, Mr President?” he posed.

The former Deputy President also criticised the President for allegedly using Governor Sakaja to cause the disturbance.

“You no longer seem to care that, through Governor Sakaja, you are sending thugs to disrupt a church service. That’s fine—you can carry on. We are aware that the Deputy Inspector General instructed the police not to attend,” Gachagua claimed.

He warned that the actions would have lasting repercussions on the relationship between the government and the Presbyterian Church of Africa (PCA).

“But know this—today’s actions have irreparably damaged your relationship with the Presbyterian Church of Africa (PCA), forever,” he added.

Gachagua also challenged President Ruto’s political tactics, insisting they would not affect him. “Even if you eliminate Rigathi Gachagua, nothing will change. It will only complicate your political situation further. We have enough soldiers to carry on with this struggle. You might think bringing me down will help you, but we have enough people here ready to continue the fight. So we are not afraid.”

Gachagua also took aim at Governor Sakaja for his alleged role in the chaotic scenes, saying that as an elected leader, he should not be betraying those who voted for him.

“The Governor was chosen by the people. You can’t repay them by sending hooligans. How can you send thugs to their church while they are fundraising to complete it? It’s deeply insensitive, unkind, and completely unacceptable,” he said.

The situation escalated when gunshots were heard in Nairobi’s Kasarani estate on Sunday after security officers linked to Gachagua fired warning shots into the air to disperse a group of youths attempting to storm the church. The group had reportedly charged towards the church gate shortly before Gachagua’s arrival.

Videos seen by the Eastleigh Voice showed officers firing into the air to repel the assailants, who were allegedly demanding cash.

Some of the youths, dressed in military-style fatigues, managed to force their way into the church, destroying chairs and causing chaos inside. Several vehicles—including one belonging to Gachagua—had their windscreens smashed with stones during the fracas.

Other Topics To Read

• Politics
• Headlines
• President William Ruto
• Rigathi Gachagua
• Johnson Sakaja
• PCEA Kasarani East Parish
• Ruto used Sakaja to send goons to disrupt church service
• Gachagua claims

The service was temporarily suspended, with congregants fleeing for safety.

Images and videos from the scene depicted a violent confrontation, with agitated youths hurling insults and projectiles at Gachagua’s security detail.

“We have freedom of worship in Kenya, and the Constitution guarantees that you can visit any part of the country,” said the church’s presiding bishop, condemning the violence as a serious infringement on religious rights.

Despite the turmoil, there was no visible presence of the National Police Service (NPS) during or after the incident, with only Gachagua’s security personnel responding.

As of publication, the NPS had not issued a statement regarding the Kasarani disruption.