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Political tensions in Kenya's Mount Kenya region erupted into public disorder Sunday as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's attendance at a church service in Nairobi's PCEA Mwiki was disrupted by violence.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of Gachagua's political standing, particularly following President William Ruto’s recent tour of the region, which concluded on April 5. The disruption unfolded as Gachagua, accompanied by allied Members of Parliament and MCAs, prepared to address the congregation. A group of youths stormed the church, allegedly demanding monetary compensation for their presence, leading to a chaotic scene where chairs were broken, and injuries were sustained.
Security personnel attached to Gachagua responded by firing shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd. A vehicle belonging to the former Deputy President was stoned, resulting in shattered windows. Eyewitness accounts detail youths, some dressed in military-style attire, advancing on Gachagua’s security detail, hurling objects and insults.
The National Police Service was notably absent during the incident, with Gachagua's personal guards managing the situation. The presiding bishop condemned the violence, affirming the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of worship. This incident follows a similar disruption on March 23, when protesters temporarily blocked Gachagua from leaving a church in Nyeri town, disclosing the tense atmosphere surrounding his recent political activities.
Gachagua’s appearance at the church marked his first public event since President Ruto concluded a five-day tour of the Mount Kenya region. The President’s visit, perceived as both a development mission and a political manoeuvre, was met with enthusiastic receptions across the region's counties. Gachagua, who had previously urged Mount Kenya residents to hold Ruto accountable for his promises, opted to remain in Nairobi during the event.
Gachagua is scheduled to appear in a national television interview on April 7, where he is expected to address his perceived diminishing influence in Mount Kenya following Ruto’s tour, which concluded with a Kikuyu message of gratitude shared on social media.