Nairobi police deployed tear gas on Sunday to disperse armed groups clashing outside a church in Kariobangi North, in an incident that briefly affected worshippers inside the building.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters were present, but authorities emphasized that the action targeted the violent confrontation outside, not the congregation.
According to Denis Itumbi, head of presidential special projects, two rival factions armed with pangas were engaged in a fight near the church entrance.
Some individuals were injured during the scuffle and rushed to nearby hospitals, Citizen TV journalists reported from the scene.
Police quickly requested reinforcements to control the situation. Tear gas was deployed to halt the fighting and prevent further casualties.
Itumbi clarified that any gas that drifted into the church was incidental, not an intentional move against worshippers.
The incident has drawn attention in a politically charged environment, as Kariobangi North is a constituency with active party organizing ahead of upcoming elections.
Gachagua, a key figure in the ruling party hierarchy, has previously participated in community and political engagements in the area, highlighting the potential for heightened tensions during public events.
Visuals shared on social media, including posters from local political campaigns, confirmed that the tear gas deployment occurred outside the church grounds, supporting official explanations.
Itumbi urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that suggested the police targeted attendees.
This episode reflects ongoing challenges in managing security during public gatherings in Nairobi, particularly in constituencies with active political rivalries.
Authorities maintained that the primary aim was safeguarding lives and restoring order rather than intervening in political activity.
Police confirmed that investigations into the clashes are ongoing, and community leaders have been asked to support dialogue between rival groups to prevent future incidents.