Tear Gas in a Church? Matiang’i Slams Attack on Gachagua, Calls for Justice and Rule of Law
A shocking scene unfolded in Nairobi when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and worshippers were caught in a tear gas assault inside the PCEA Church in Kariobangi. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has condemned what he termed a blatant violation of moral and legal principles, calling for swift action against those behind the incident.
Matiang’i described the act as a painful irony—tear gas being used in a house of worship in a country that prides itself on upholding the rule of law. Speaking at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Kenol the following day, he emphasized that such incidents reflect a deeper rot in national leadership and pledged to restore order if elected President in 2027.
“But here’s what most people miss,” Matiang’i remarked. “The problem isn't just about one attack—it’s about a system that has allowed political violence and lawlessness to take root.” He warned that poor governance had opened doors for chaos even in sacred spaces, painting a grim picture of how politics has warped national unity.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and national cohesion, Matiang’i urged Kenyans to stay alert and to choose leaders who respect both the law and the sanctity of public spaces. He cautioned that unchecked corruption, money laundering, and moral decay would continue to cripple Kenya if citizens failed to demand accountability.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu echoed Matiang’i’s outrage, slamming the Kariobangi church attack as “a disgrace to democracy.” He hinted that certain political players could be funding intra-regional hostilities within Mt. Kenya, warning that such tactics risk tearing communities apart. “It’s sad that people are pulling strings to divide us,” Nyutu lamented, further revealing electoral malpractice in Mbeere North.
In a rare show of unity, Nyutu appealed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta to bring Rigathi Gachagua, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to the table for reconciliation talks. “This alliance could redefine Kenya’s political culture and reinforce our shared democratic freedoms,” he said.
Tensions remained high during the same church function when Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi faced hecklers as he presented the government’s ongoing development projects. Despite the interruptions, Mwangi pressed on, listing initiatives such as the Makeji Affordable Housing Programme, a new national stadium in Murang’a, and the upcoming Mukerenju Sports Academy. However, heckling intensified—revealing a growing disconnect between citizens and state officials.
Seeing the tension boil over, Bishop Karanu stepped in, pleading for calm. “Please stop the heckling,” he urged. “The church is a sacred space for all people, not a battleground. Let’s show respect while worshipping together.”
The event drew several political heavyweights, including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, MP Sabina Chege, and former legislators Kembi Gitura, Joshua Toro, Elias Mbau, Peter Kimari, and Njathi Mwenga—many of whom urged leaders to restore civility to Kenya’s public discourse.
The larger question remains: has politics in Kenya drifted too far from decency and the spirit of unity it once aspired to uphold? Should places of worship now need protection from political violence? Share your thoughts—should leaders like Matiang’i take the front line in restoring Kenya’s moral compass, or is the problem larger than individual ambition?
