Matiang’i condemns chaos metted on Gachagua during Kariobangi North tour
By David Nthua, December 1, 2025Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader and the party’s 2027 presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has condemned the chaos metted on Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at PCEA Kariobangi North.
Taking to his X handle on Sunday, November 30, 2025, Matiang’i said the Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua did not deserve the teargassing experienced inside a place of worship.
Matiang’i shames Kariobangi North chaos
He also said that the incident was a clear sign of a country heading in the wrong direction.
In his statement, Matiang’i said he had attended a consecration and thanksgiving service at ACK St Peter’s Cathedral in Kenol, where he joined Hon Jeremiah Kioni, Senator Joe Nyutu, former Senator Kembi Gitura, former MP Omingo Magara, clergy and faithful.
He noted that what unfolded in Kariobangi North was unacceptable.
“I strongly condemned the unfortunate incident where the former Deputy President Rigathi and worshippers were tear gassed in a church as they gathered for worship. That a place of worship can be desecrated in such a manner is the clearest sign that our country is headed in the wrong direction,” Matiang’i said.
Chaos erupted in Kariobangi North on Sunday morning after rival political groups clashed outside the PCEA church where Gachagua had gone to attend a thanksgiving service for newly elected DCP MCA David Warui.
According to eyewitness accounts and footage captured at the scene, a group of youths allegedly sponsored to disrupt the event confronted another faction believed to be Gachagua’s supporters.
Police officers stationed outside the church intervened as the crowd turned rowdy.
Officers lobbed tear gas canisters and fired shots in the air to disperse the groups that had blocked the road leading to the church.
The fumes spread into the sanctuary, forcing congregants to cover their faces with handkerchiefs as the service was briefly halted.
Congregants affected by teargas
Inside the church, worshippers struggled to contain the effects of the teargas as Gachagua’s ally, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejjadonk, delivered his speech.
The service paused for about five minutes as congregants regained stability.
No serious injuries were reported, although businesses outside the church were disrupted as residents scampered for safety.
The incident came only three days after DCP’s David Warui won the Kariobangi North MCA seat with 2,282 votes, defeating independent candidate Kimanzi John Katua who garnered 1,956 votes.
Gachagua had attended the service to celebrate Warui’s victory when chaos broke out.
After condemning the violence, Matiang’i urged Kenyans to pray for clergy and religious leaders, noting that they carry the responsibility of interceding for families and the nation.
He added that unity should guide the country during difficult political moments.
He reminded citizens that Kenya’s problems stem from poor leadership choices, not ethnic identity.
As of now, the DCP is yet to issue a formal statement regarding the Kariobangi chaos.