Violent clashes disrupt church service in Gatundu South, Gachagua blames gov't

Eyewitnesses said the groups, armed with batons, engaged in a standoff outside the church, prompting police to deploy teargas to disperse the youths.

The confrontation also disrupted traffic along the Kiamworia-Gatundu South road and resulted in a minibus being vandalized. The driver was accused of ferrying the youths to the area.

Several members of the congregation suffered teargas inhalation as the fumes spread inside the church, with worshippers describing the scene as chaotic.

"Tumejipata tumetupiwa teargas ndani ya kanisa," said Ruth Wanjiku, a church member. Salome Wachuka added, "Tumeletewa hadi goons kwa kanisa."

Addressing the incident, Gachagua accused the government of allowing the disruption, alleging that state authorities sent “goons” to the church while leaving police to protect them.

"Mbona unatuma goons kanisani? Na wewe IG unawacha polisi wana protect goons," he said.

During the service, Gachagua also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against claims of attempting to divide the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), noting Kenyatta’s role in securing votes for his party in past elections.

"Sio Uhuru ambaye anagawanya chama… Uhuru alisaidia Baba kupata zaidi ya kura milioni moja… na tukiumana pia tutamuita atusaidie atoke retire," he stated.

Gachagua further criticized some leaders for failing to invest in education infrastructure, highlighting his party’s initiatives in building schools.

"Wanapewa pesa mingi na hawajengi shule… sisi tumejenga shule na watoto wetu wanapelekwa kusoma Turkana na Kericho," he said.