Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has condemned the teargassing of worshippers at a Nyeri church, calling it excessive and unlawful.
The commission says the incident violated multiple constitutional rights and is demanding urgent investigations, accountability for officers involved, and a public apology to victims.
In a press statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, the commission said it had received reports with profound shock and unequivocal condemnation of the incident, which occurred on Sunday, January 25, while congregants were attending a peaceful church service.
According to KNCHR, police officers reportedly deployed teargas inside the church without lawful justification or reasonable cause.
The service was attended by worshippers, including children and elderly persons, heightening the seriousness of the incident.
The commission said some of the officers involved were hooded, “contrary to court orders that all police officers must be identifiable”.
It added that the use of force in such circumstances was manifestly excessive, disproportionate, and indiscriminate, particularly given the confined nature of a place of worship and the presence of vulnerable people.
“Such actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the sanctity of a place of worship and are wholly inconsistent with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality that govern the use of force in a democratic society founded on the rule of law,” the statement said.
KNCHR warned that the incident reflected a wider and troubling pattern. It said it had noted a growing and consistent trend of attacks on places of worship arising from political tensions and intolerance, especially during periods of heightened political competition.
The commission cautioned that violence sanctioned by both state and non-state actors including through the use of goons increases the risk of conflict as the country heads towards an electoral period.
It said this reaffirmed the urgent need to safeguard institutional independence, promote political tolerance, and uphold constitutional guarantees of participation, expression, and accountability.
Describing the teargassing of a church as indefensible, KNCHR said the use of teargas in a place of worship was a disproportionate and reckless act that cannot be justified under any circumstances.
It said the conduct of the police officers involved amounted to a clear and severe breach of the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The commission said multiple fundamental rights had been violated. It cited the right to freedom of conscience, religion and belief, noting that the worshippers’ right “to manifest religion through worship was curtailed”.
It also said the freedom of assembly was breached when state agents attacked a peaceful church gathering.
Most seriously, KNCHR said the freedom and security of the person was violated, as worshippers, “including children and the elderly, were subjected to violence and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment”.
It added that the state had failed in its primary duty to observe, respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens.
The commission further stated that the actions of the officers on the ground were in direct contravention of constitutional provisions requiring the National Police Service to comply with human rights standards and fundamental freedoms.
Calling for immediate action, KNCHR said it was condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms and demanded swift accountability.
It called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit are swift, independent, and transparent.
It also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to immediately conduct independent investigations and ensure those found culpable, including officers who deployed teargas and commanders who aided, sanctioned, or failed to prevent this gross abuse of power, are subjected to the full force of the law, including criminal prosecution.
In addition, the commission called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to issue a public apology to the affected worshippers and to ensure non-repetition.
KNCHR said it would continue to monitor investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings to ensure justice is served and impunity addressed, reaffirming its commitment to promoting a culture of human rights and holding duty bearers accountable to protect the rights of all persons in Kenya.
