The African Independent Pentecostal Church (AIPCA) has officially stated that women who disrupted a church service attended by President William Ruto in Gatundu on Sunday were not legitimate congregants. Church leadership identified the individuals involved in the chaotic incident as “hired goons.”
The disruption commenced when Gatundu North Member of Parliament Njoroge Kururia introduced Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi as the “outgoing governor.” Ng’ang’a subsequent remarks, stating she would soon be “the boss of Kiambu” further escalated tensions.
In the immediate aftermath, online discussions emerged, with numerous commentators suggesting the “spirit displayed by the women council felt more than evangelical.” Some of the women appeared intoxicated while cheering both Governor Matangi and MP Alice Ng’ang’a during the service.
AIPCA leadership presented specific evidence indicating the disruptors were not church members. Many women wore clothing and accessories strictly prohibited by AIPCA customs, including tight trousers, makeup, earrings, and facial piercings. Church officials emphasized that members typically do not attend services wearing trousers.
Further supporting the claim of non-membership, the blue regalia worn by the women, traditionally associated with the church’s women’s council, appeared new. A church official posited that someone might have acquired fabric and created the regalia for non-AIPCA individuals to lend support. Additionally, buses reportedly filled with non-regular members were found near the church premises.
The church firmly asserted that politicians introduced this disruptive behavior. While the AIPCA welcomes politicians as a house of God for everyone, the issue arises from the “negative content” they express. Giving politicians time to greet the congregation is not problematic; the trouble stems from their specific spoken words.
Following the incident, AIPCA leadership appealed to Kenyans online to refrain from targeting the church’s hierarchy.
