Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a formal complaint to the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing the National Police Service of enabling political disorder during a church service in Kariobangi North.
The former deputy president said the disturbance, which occurred on 30 November at PCEA Kariobangi North, reflected a wider pattern of state-linked interference at public gatherings.
In a detailed letter posted on social media, Gachagua alleged that uniformed and plain-clothes officers facilitated a group that attempted to disrupt the service.
He claimed that tear gas was released within the church compound, affecting congregants, including children attending Sunday school.
According to Gachagua, the operation was overseen by the local OCS, whom he accused of coordinating the officers involved.
Gachagua linked the Kariobangi incident to several confrontations he says have occurred since 2024 across Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Narok counties.
In his statement, he listed funerals, prayer rallies, and political meetings where he alleges similar disruptions took place.
The DCP leader said these incidents were previously reported to the IG, but no visible action had been taken.
Kenya has historically grappled with politically motivated violence, particularly around election cycles.
With the 2027 polls approaching, concerns about security at political and religious events have re-emerged, especially in regions with active grassroots mobilisation.
Gachagua argued that the current trend undermines public confidence in the police’s neutrality, a principle central to Kenya’s multiparty democratic system.
In his address to IG Kanja, Gachagua also referenced President William Ruto’s recent directive ordering the arrest of individuals involved in political violence.
He questioned the effectiveness of the directive, stating that it would amount to little unless, in his view, the police disengaged from what he termed politically backed groups.
He insisted that only a clear public stance by the IG could restore confidence in the service.
The DCP leader further cited ongoing investigations into earlier church-related disturbances, particularly a case in Mwiki, and claimed that progress had stalled due to political interference.
He urged the IG to ensure accountability in all pending files related to the incidents he outlined.