The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has condemned police action that saw tear gas used at a church compound during a protest in Nairobi, calling on the government to apologise and ensure accountability for what it describes as an unnecessary violation of sacred space. The incident has sparked public outrage, drawing criticism from religious leaders and civil society groups who argue that places of worship should be respected as zones of peace, not targets of enforcement operations.
According to accounts from clergy and worshippers present, the disruption occurred when law enforcement officers deployed tear gas canisters into the church premises to disperse demonstrators who had gathered to express grievances. The protest was part of a broader series of demonstrations in the city linked to economic and governance concerns, but participants had chosen the church grounds as a meeting point prior to proceeding to other locations. The sudden discharge of tear gas sent congregants fleeing and left several people, including elders and children, struggling with respiratory discomfort.
At a press briefing in Nairobi, NCCK Secretary General Rev. Canon John Omolo strongly criticised the police response. He described the use of tear gas in a church compound as “unjustifiable and disrespectful,” emphasising that places of worship should be treated with the highest level of sanctity and protected from actions that undermine worshippers’ dignity and safety. Canon Omolo said that the council expects a formal apology from the relevant authorities as part of efforts to rebuild trust between the state and religious communities.
The church umbrella body also urged the government to investigate the incident transparently and hold accountable any officers whose conduct violated operational protocols or constitutional protections. “Our churches are sanctuaries of peace and refuge,” Omolo said. “Tear gas has no place in such spaces. We demand respect for freedom of worship and peaceful assembly.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the teargas caused panic among congregants, with many rushing to exit the compound and seek fresh air. A number of worshippers were reportedly treated at nearby health facilities for minor injuries and respiratory irritation, though no deaths have been confirmed. Local clergy and volunteers stepped in to assist those affected, distributing water and guiding people to safe areas.
In response, senior police officials acknowledged that law enforcement had been deployed to manage the demonstrations, but they offered a different interpretation of events. According to the police statement, officers were intending to contain and disperse crowds because parts of the protest had allegedly breached agreed boundaries and obstructed traffic flow. The statement noted that tear gas was used in specific areas where officers encountered resistance and that every effort was made to minimise harm.
However, the police did not directly address why tear gas entered the church compound, prompting criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts. Critics argue that the response was disproportionate and argued that options such as negotiation, dialogue, and de-escalation should have been prioritised to avoid harm to innocent worshippers.
Civil society organisations have joined NCCK in calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of security personnel during the demonstration. Many have pointed to past instances where the use of force in civic spaces raised concerns about excessive militarisation of public order management, eroding confidence in the ability of authorities to protect fundamental freedoms.
Political commentators said the incident underscores ongoing tensions in how protests are managed and the perceived impunity of security forces. They argue that without clear guidelines and accountability, similar confrontations could recur, further straining relationships between citizens, religious bodies and the state.
Members of the public have also expressed mixed feelings. Some say that protests must be managed to maintain public order, while others insist that state action should never violate places of worship or endanger worshippers. Social media platforms have been awash with debates, with many users sharing footage and testimonies from the event.
As the fallout from the teargas incident continues, NCCK has called on all stakeholders — including political leaders, security agencies and church bodies — to engage in constructive dialogue on protecting spaces of worship and ensuring that constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and worship, are upheld.
Image by NCCK
