NCCK Demands Apology from Murkomen, IG Kanja Over Teargas Attacks in Churches

Kenyan churches have demanded a public apology from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. The demand follows several incidents where police disrupted church services using teargas. The latest case happened at ACK Witima Parish in Nyeri County.

In a statement released on Monday, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) condemned the incident. Police officers lobbed teargas canisters into the church during a Sunday service. The council said the action violated the Constitution. It said every Kenyan has a right to worship freely. It added that churches should remain safe spaces.

The NCCK described the police conduct as reckless. It said the officers ignored the law. It accused them of failing to follow the Public Order Act and the National Police Service Act. These laws guide how police should handle public gatherings. “The church expresses grave concern over the desecration of places of worship by the police,” the council said. It added that the attack was illegal and unconstitutional.

According to the NCCK, the Nyeri incident is not isolated. It is part of a wider pattern. The council cited at least nine similar cases since 2020. These include attacks at AIPCA in Murang’a, Chosen Generation Church in Nakuru, and All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi. Others include Holy Family Basilica, PEFA Church in Nyandarua, Africa Inland Church in Subukia, PCEA Kariobangi North, and AIPCA in Kiambu County.

The council also raised concerns about accountability. It said no officers have ever been punished. It said none have been interdicted or charged. “This suggests approval from the highest levels of the state,” the NCCK said. It warned that silence from authorities encourages more abuse.

During the Nyeri service, teargas caused panic. Worshippers fled the church. The service came to a halt. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies were present. Many church members complained of breathing difficulties.

The National Police Service later confirmed the incident. It said several vehicles parked in the compound were damaged. It added that no injuries were reported.

Church leaders have now called for restraint. They want respect for religious spaces. They warned that continued police action in churches could deepen public anger. They said such actions weaken trust in law enforcement. The NCCK insisted that places of worship must remain sacred. It said faith institutions should never become targets of state force.