PCEA Reverend Who Defied Orders to Host Gachagua Reveals What Church Leaders Told Him

Reverend James Kariuki wa Kafue of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has revealed the pressure he allegedly faced from church leaders after deciding to host former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a church service in Kiambu County.

The clergyman disclosed that a presbytery committee had reportedly resolved that Gachagua should not be allowed to visit PCEA Kamangu Church in Kikuyu Constituency, despite preparations already being underway for the former deputy president’s visit.

Speaking during the Sunday, November 1, service attended by Gachagua and his supporters, Reverend Kariuki narrated how the decision placed him in a difficult position as he struggled to determine whether to follow the committee’s instructions or proceed with the planned reception.

According to the reverend, the committee had directed that Gachagua should not visit the parish, with pressure reportedly mounting on him to communicate the decision to the former deputy president.

He explained that the situation left him confused and emotionally disturbed, particularly because he had already made arrangements to ensure Gachagua received a proper welcome.

Kariuki revealed that he eventually sought assistance from friends to organise the reception, including providing tents for the gathering. He said some of those who helped him had not even received payment for their contributions.

The reverend further disclosed that the situation affected him personally, with his wife noticing that he was unusually disturbed before the Sunday service.

He said he eventually opened up to her on Friday, explaining that he was facing a difficult situation because Gachagua had reportedly been barred from visiting his church.

Despite the pressure, Kariuki said he decided to proceed with the service, attributing his decision to spiritual guidance and his determination to stand by the former deputy president.

He also revealed that he attended another church service earlier on Sunday before proceeding to Kamangu, using another church elder’s vehicle rather than his own.

The move, he explained, was intended to ensure his presence was noticed at the other service and prevent accusations that he had deliberately skipped it.

However, the reverend admitted that he remained uncertain about what would happen to him following his decision to defy the reported directive.

Kariuki openly acknowledged that he could face disciplinary action or even lose his position, but maintained that he was prepared to accept whatever consequences followed.

He compared his situation to the biblical story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, explaining that he had chosen to stand by his principles regardless of the possible punishment.

His revelations came as Gachagua attended the PCEA service amid growing political tensions surrounding his relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.

The former deputy president subsequently accused Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah of allegedly intimidating church leaders and interfering with his freedom to worship.

Gachagua questioned why political disagreements were seemingly extending into religious institutions, insisting that he should not be prevented from attending church services.

The incident has once again brought attention to the relationship between politics and religious institutions, particularly amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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