By Afrireport 
A calm Sunday morning service at St. Peters ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, was thrown into confusion after a teargas canister was lobbed into the compound, forcing congregants to flee in panic.
The incident, which unfolded during prayers, left worshippers choking, scrambling for safety and seeking refuge in nearby buildings as the service was abruptly cut short.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as elderly congregants, women, and children struggled to escape the choking fumes that quickly filled the church grounds.
Some worshippers were reportedly treated for minor injuries and breathing difficulties, while church leaders condemned the disruption of a sacred gathering, calling it an attack on freedom of worship.
Following public outrage and mounting questions over the conduct of security officers in the area, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Sunday directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to launch investigations into the teargas attack.
In a statement, the police leadership said the probe would establish the circumstances under which teargas was deployed and identify those responsible for authorising or executing the action.
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The National Police Service emphasised that places of worship are protected spaces and that any police operation must adhere to the law, respect human rights and exercise restraint, especially in sensitive environments such as churches.
The IAU has been tasked with reviewing operational reports, officer conduct, and command decisions made before and during the incident.
The teargas incident is said to have occurred amid heightened political tension in the area, with reports indicating that several political leaders and their supporters were present at the service.
However, police have not officially confirmed whether the deployment was linked to intelligence reports, crowd control concerns, or unauthorised gatherings.
Church leaders and local residents have demanded accountability, urging authorities to ensure that those found culpable face disciplinary and legal consequences.
The Anglican Church of Kenya also called for calm, urging security agencies to protect worshippers rather than subject them to fear and trauma.
Human rights groups have weighed in, warning that excessive use of force during religious gatherings undermines constitutional freedoms and erodes public trust in law enforcement.
They have urged the IAU to conduct an independent, transparent, and speedy investigation.
As investigations begin, the police leadership has assured the public that the findings of the Internal Affairs Unit will guide appropriate action, reiterating that the National Police Service remains committed to professionalism, restraint and respect for the rule of law.
