What began as a solemn retirement ceremony for long-serving NICA bishop Njeru Nyaga in Kavutiri, Embu, quickly spiralled into political chaos and near violence, after Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia took to the podium on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Kaguchia, known for his unapologetic stance on national issues, veered off the religious script and launched a scathing attack on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. He accused the CS of ordering police to shoot protesters who torched police stations during the recent Gen Z-led demonstrations.
But it was his next move that triggered fury after he revealed plans were underway in Parliament to table a motion to impeach Murkomen.
Before he could utter more, murmurs grew into shouts from furious congregants who demanded that politics be left out of the holy occasion. “This is a church, not a political rally!” some shouted.
As tension mounted, a group of visibly angry men marched toward the podium and forcefully pulled down the microphone Kaguchia was using, effectively cutting short his speech. The atmosphere grew more volatile by the second.
Sensing danger, a few church leaders quickly rose and surrounded Kaguchia, shielding him from a crowd that appeared ready to confront him physically.
Mbarire intervenes
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who had remained on the podium, swiftly intervened to cool the tempers.
“We have been in church service since morning. Bringing political speeches that provoke and anger the faithful is completely uncalled for. Let everyone sit, no one else will speak.”
Notably, Kaguchia had just arrived at the venue accompanied by Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji. Mbarire had first welcomed Mukunji to address the congregation, and he, in turn, ushered Kaguchia to speak.
But what was meant to be a dignified moment of reflection and celebration for Bishop Nyaga’s decades of service turned into a dramatic clash of politics and pulpit, an incident that Embu locals will be talking about for weeks.
