Chaos, gunshots rock church service attended by Rigathi Gachagua at PCEA Kasarani

Chaos has rocked a Sunday church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Mwiki, Nairobi County.

Mr Gachagua’s armed security personnel fired in the air as they battled to block goons who attempted to storm the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) moments after a fundraiser in Kasarani.

Barely an hour after the fundraising service in aid of a construction project, the goons made their way into the church, forcing the congregation, including Mr Gachagua to abandon their chairs, fearing for their safety.

Some of the rowdy youth could be heard shouting “tunataka pesa…wapi pesa yetu? (we want cash, where is our money?” as they throw chairs in the air.

The chaos interrupted the service for more than 30 minutes as helpless church leaders and their congregation watched the unfolding drama in shock.

At one point, rival groups clashed inside the church compound, with at least one motorbike being set on fire.

Several vehicles, including Mr Gachagua’s, were stoned and damaged by the rowdy youth as the faithful scampered for safety.

Despite the security threat at a place of worship, local police did not respond and none at the church by the time of going to Press.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the security scare but according to Mr Gachagua's allies, a top city political leader is suspected to have mobilised the intruders.

The attack comes four months after Mr Gachagua and his allies were stoned in Limuru, Kiambu County, in what the former deputy president later described as an attempt on his life.

Mr Gachagua has linked the attacks to his fallout with President William Ruto and his ongoing campaigns to ensure his former boss does not secure a second term in 2027.