The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating claims that a group of police officers assembled in Nairobi before travelling to Nyeri County ahead of a disrupted church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to information contained in investigation records, the officers allegedly met at Vigilance House, where they were briefed and authorized to proceed with the operation on the same evening.
The inquiry documents further indicate that the officers were instructed to coordinate with youths from Nyeri County, while local security officers were allegedly told not to intervene. The claims are part of an ongoing investigation aimed at establishing what happened and who may have been involved.
The incident reportedly occurred at Witima ACK Church, where Gachagua was expected to attend a Sunday service. Shortly after his arrival, chaos broke out when vehicles entered the church compound under police escort.
Witness statements collected by investigators allege that armed individuals entered the church compound, fired shots, and used tear gas, leading to panic among worshippers, including children.
The confrontation lasted several minutes before security personnel restored calm. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged, church property was affected, and some congregants sustained minor injuries during the disturbance.
Following the incident, security officers secured the area as investigations continued. Interior Ministry officials condemned the violence and directed authorities to identify those responsible, regardless of their position or political affiliation.
The National Police Service confirmed that the Internal Affairs Unit, together with detectives in Nyeri, had launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the alleged chain of command and source of instructions.
Gachagua later described the incident as a targeted attack and announced that he would suspend some public engagements in the region due to security concerns.
Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue, saying evidence is being reviewed to determine the facts surrounding the disruption.