Recent events have shifted public attention to places of worship where political influence has increasingly appeared during services drawing concern from clergy leaders and local residents.
In Nyeri County a church service in Othaya turned chaotic after groups linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the event amid rising political rivalry.
Witnesses reported that armed individuals entered the church compound fired shots and released tear gas causing panic as worshippers including children ran for safety.
After order was restored several vehicles were damaged and parts of the church destroyed while minor injuries were reported as security teams moved in to secure the area.
The incident prompted swift action from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who condemned violence in religious spaces and warned that such acts threaten public safety.
Murkomen directed the Regional Commissioner to take firm steps following the Sunday incident stressing that churches must remain free from intimidation regardless of political differences.
He stated that leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are free to engage in politics but should respect places of worship and the people gathered there.
Security agencies have expanded investigations to identify those responsible as authorities insist that the law will be applied equally to prevent future church related violence.
The development comes as the government seeks to assure Kenyans that religious institutions will be protected during a period marked by growing political competition nationwide.
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