A church service in at Gatundu South, Kiambu County attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua nearly turned chaotic on Sunday after goons attempted to lock him out.
Mr Gachagua was attending the main service at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA).
The goons, who reportedly arrived in buses early in the morning, began streaming into the area from around 7am.
Residents and police sources told the Daily Nation that the goons had been mobilised to disrupt the occasion, although authorities declined to comment on whether any arrests were made or summons issued to those behind the alleged plan.
The residents – mostly Gachagua’s supporters –confronted the group before police officers moved in to quell the situation.
The standoff lasted nearly three hours. Calm was restored after police dispersed the group, allowing the church service to proceed.
“We had been informed that certain politicians from Kiambu, who are opposed to Mr Gachagua, had hired goons to cause chaos in church. We could not allow criminals to disrupt a worship service, so we had to protect ourselves,” said Martin Mwangi, a resident.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of John Muhia, who was the father of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, in Malewa Ranch in Nyandarua County on January 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Instead of protecting worshippers, the police turned against us. They started lobbing teargas everywhere, even inside the church compound,” said Ruth Wanjiku, a church member.
During the melee, one bus, which had allegedly been used to ferry the goons, was vandalised, while another one had its tyres deflated by angry residents.
Mr Gachagua, who was accompanied by several of his political allies, condemned the incident, accusing the government of using state machinery to intimidate the Opposition.
“This government has made it a habit to attack people even in church. Places of worship should remain sacred and free from political intimidation,” Gachagua said.
At the same time, Mr Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto is plotting to weaken the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by fuelling internal wrangles for his own political gain.
“There is a clear scheme to destabilise ODM so that it can be controlled indirectly. Kenyans must see through these tricks,” he said.
Mr Gachagua also used defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta , who has recently faced criticism from leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration for his persistent criticism of the government.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of John Muhia, who was the father of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, in Malewa Ranch in Nyandarua County on January 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Uhuru Kenyatta is a former Head of State. I will do everything possible to defend him from these relentless attacks,” Mr Gachagua said.
He further hinted at the possibility of the United Opposition seeking Mr Kenyatta’s support ahead of the next general election.
“When the time comes, the opposition will not hesitate to consult and seek guidance from President Kenyatta so as to liberate this country,” he added.
Mr Gachagua was accompanied by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo.
