The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement clarifying the events that triggered chaos at PCEA Church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30.
According to the Service, the disturbance stemmed from a confrontation between two groups of youths during a Thanksgiving service held for a recently elected ward representative.
NPS explained that officers stationed at the church intervened after identifying an imminent threat outside the premises.
NPS Explains Circumstances Behind Chaos at Kariobangi North PCEA Church. Photo: Courtesy.
The officers reportedly observed a large group of rowdy youths armed with crude weapons attempting to force their way into the church.
Recognizing the potential danger, the officers immediately requested reinforcements to contain the situation.
The NPS reported that tensions escalated when a second group of youths arrived to confront the first, prompting officers to intervene.
The chaos spilled into the church, briefly disrupting the service.
Several people were injured and required emergency care, and police indicated the clashes appeared to have been organised in advance.
The NPS said the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the DCI have been directed to investigate the incident.
It also dismissed social media claims that officers threw a tear gas canister into the church, noting that church leaders confirmed no such incident occurred.
The Service condemned the disruption, expressed sympathy to the injured, and underscored the need to protect the sanctity of places of worship.
