Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that a 12-member covert police unit, which he identified as “Nairobi Sierra,” was responsible for the Sunday attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri.
Following a meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on January 30, 2026, Gachagua and other opposition leaders claimed the unit was dispatched from Nairobi with the specific intent to assassinate him.
Gachagua claims the covert “Nairobi Sierra” unit consists of 12 officers who operated outside the normal police command chain.He alleged that these officers lobbed tear gas and fired live ammunition during the church service on January 25, 2026, leading to the vandalism of his vehicles and injury to congregants.
The former DP has demanded the immediate arrest and disarmament of the unit members by February 16, 2026.
If no action is taken, he has threatened to organize nationwide demonstrations to remove Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the police leadership from office.
The government and police have initiated investigations, though some officials have counter-accused Gachagua of staging the incident to gain public sympathy.
By Anthony Solly
