Tear gas, running battles rock Kariobangi North as rival groups clash during Gachagua church visit
The confrontation broke out just before noon, prompting police to fire tear gas and shoot into the air to disperse the crowd.
Tensions ran high in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North Estate on Sunday, November 30, after rival political groups clashed outside PCEA Kariobangi during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The confrontation broke out just before noon, prompting police to fire tear gas and shoot into the air to disperse the crowd.
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According to eyewitnesses, the fracas began when a group of youths, allegedly hired to disrupt the event, confronted Gachagua’s supporters near the church entrance.
Videos shared online showed residents and passersby fleeing as running battles spilt onto the main road, disrupting nearby businesses.
Children caught up in the chaos
Sunday school children were also caught up in the chaos, coughing and crying from the effects of tear gas.
Police said they moved quickly to contain the situation and urged the public to “respect the law and maintain peace.”
No serious injuries had been reported by press time, and the service resumed after a brief five-minute interruption.
Some congregants, covering their noses with handkerchiefs, remained in the pews as Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejjadonk delivered his remarks.
The incident unfolded as celebrations were underway following the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)’s victories in recent by-elections.
DCP’s David Wanyoike Warui won the Kariobangi North MCA seat with 2,282 votes, defeating independent candidate John Kimanzi, who garnered 1,956.
ODM’s Majua Michael Ouma followed with 1,351 votes, while UDA’s Njoka Julius Maina received 955. The seat became vacant after the death of former MCA Joel Munuve in April.
DCP also secured wins in Narok Town Ward and Kisa East Ward. Douglas Makonde took Narok Town with 6,007 votes, beating UDA’s Robert Kanyinke Ole Kudate, who had 4,479. In Kisa East, Aduda Okwiri won with 1,952 votes, ahead of Joel Ongoro of the Movement for Democracy and Growth, who received 1,541.
Celebrated victories
Gachagua celebrated the victories on social media, praising supporters for resisting electoral interference.
“Our party, making the newest kid in the block, which is seven months old, whitewashed old parties, some as old as twenty years. I salute the people of Narok Township, Kariobangi North, and Kisa East for standing up to intimidation, goons, state-sponsored militia, and violent attacks by the police to exercise their democratic right,” he said.
He also pointed to the party’s growing footprint along the Coast after a strong second-place finish in the Magarini by-election.
“This now gives an entry into the Coast Region. I will be on the Coast over the holiday season to meet possible aspirants and establish party offices. Well done, Stanley [Karissa Kenga]. We are proud of you,” Gachagua said.
The events in Kariobangi North underscore the increasingly volatile political atmosphere as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
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