‘Wapi Pesa Yetu,’ Goons Disrupt Church Service Attended by Rigathi Gachagua, Vandalize Vehicles in Kasarani Chaos

A Sunday service at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in Mwiki, Kasarani Constituency, descended into chaos when a group of rowdy youths stormed the event attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leaving a trail of destruction and fear among congregants.

The incident unfolded shortly after a fundraising event for a church construction project concluded. Witnesses reported that the intruders, chanting “Wapi pesa yetu?” (Where is our money?), hurled chairs into the air and clashed with rival groups within the church compound. The unrest forced Mr. Gachagua and the congregation to flee their seats as the situation spiraled out of control.

Armed security personnel accompanying the former deputy president fired warning shots into the air in a desperate bid to repel the goons, who appeared determined to breach the church’s sanctity.

Outside, the chaos escalated as several vehicles, including those in Mr. Gachagua’s convoy, were pelted with stones and vandalized. At least one motorbike was set ablaze amid the melee, which disrupted the service for over 30 minutes.

“People were running in all directions. It was terrifying to see such violence in a place of worship,” said a church member who requested anonymity. The bishop’s pleas for calm were drowned out by the commotion as stunned church leaders watched helplessly.

Local police were conspicuously absent during the incident, raising questions about the response to the security breach.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though allies of the former deputy president pointed fingers at Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, alleging the disruption was orchestrated to intimidate Mr. Gachagua.

This incident marks the second violent encounter targeting him in recent months.

In December 2024, he and his supporters were attacked with stones in Limuru, Kiambu County—an event he described as an assassination attempt linked to his fallout with President William Ruto.

Mr. Gachagua, who has been vocal about his opposition to President Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections, was at the church alongside several political allies, including MPs and MCAs loyal to his cause.

The timing of the disruption is notable, coming just a day before his scheduled national TV interview on April 7, where he is expected to address his supporters and critique the government’s performance following Ruto’s recent tour of the Mount Kenya region.

The former deputy president has intensified his public engagements in recent weeks, with his last appearance on March 31 at Wangige Market in Kiambu, where he accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises. Sunday’s chaos in Kasarani is likely to fuel his narrative of political persecution as he rallies support in his home region.

As calm was eventually restored, the congregation regrouped to continue the service, though the sense of unease lingered. The incident has sparked outrage among local leaders, with calls for a thorough investigation into those responsible for the brazen attack on a place of worship.