The National Police Service (NPS) has officially declared a viral statement circulating on social media, supposedly made by NPS boss Douglas Kanja, as false.
The post claimed that the Inspector General had instructed former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to surrender his military helmet and bulletproof vest.
“Yes, teargas is not sold in Gikomba. Wherever you bought the bulletproof vest and military helmet from is why you bought teargas and threw it to children in church. Surrender them with immediate effect or we arrest you,” the post stated.
The NPS clarified that this statement did not come from Kanja or any official police communication, branding it as fake news. Authorities warned that spreading misinformation on security matters could provoke panic and mislead the public.
The alert follows an incident at St Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, where a teargas canister was reportedly thrown into the church during a service attended by several political leaders, including DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. The disturbance was also said to have caused damage to vehicles parked within the church grounds.
In an earlier official statement, the NPS. And the original statement from the Inspector General of the National Police Service was that he immediately directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to investigate the incident, while the Regional Police Commander for Central mobilised the Nyeri Criminal Investigations Officer to secure the scene and collect evidence.
“The nature of this incident is,” the NPS statement stated.
The agency reiterated that churches are sanctuaries and should never be involved in political disputes or acts of violence.
Authorities emphasised that any person found responsible for the disruption would face the full force of the law. The NPS also reiterated its commitment to public safety, criminal accountability, and the protection of religious sanctuaries.
The National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya has increasingly taken an active role in flagging fake news and misinformation online.
Notable cases include the dismissal of a fake notice in January 2025 claiming to recruit 5,000 constables, warnings against social media accounts impersonating officials like Senior Assistant Inspector General Patrick Tito and Director of Forensic Services at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Rosemary Kuraru, and a December 2025 alert about a surge in pseudo accounts designed to defraud or misinform users.
Additionally, the NPS and the DCI will take legal action against individuals selling fake NPS calling letters. The service consistently urges Kenyans to rely only on verified accounts and official communications to avoid falling prey to misinformation.