The United Opposition has shelved its planned protests that were set for Friday, February 20, 2026, pointing to progress in investigations into the January 25 attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya and an alleged attempt on the life of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a Thursday, February 19 statement, leaders, including Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i, indicated there was no longer a need to march to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s office or proceed with demonstrations, after receiving assurances from investigative agencies.
“The United Alternative Government hereby announces that we shall not be returning to the office of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja,” the statement reads.
The leaders revealed they had been informed that investigations into the Witima ACK Church attack were complete.
Images showing the aftermath of the attacks on former DP Gachagua in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA
They claimed that 12 police officers allegedly involved in the attack—using two Land Cruiser vehicles from Nairobi—had been identified, along with two Members of Parliament accused of financing the operation.
“We have, however, since been reliably informed that investigations into the Witima ACK Church attack have in fact been concluded. The perpetrators have been identified: twelve police officers who executed the attack using two Land Cruiser vehicles from Nairobi. The financiers have also been identified: two Members of Parliament from Murang’a and Nyeri counties,” they said.
They further alleged that the case file, which was ready to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was intercepted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, with instructions halting any prosecution.
“We further understand that the investigative file was ready for transmission to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Shockingly, that file has reportedly been intercepted by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, with directions that no prosecution shall take place,” reads the statement.
“We call this what it is: a criminal abuse of power. It is an obstruction of justice. It is the deliberate use of a government ministry to shield would-be assassins from accountability. CS Murkomen has, by this act, placed himself squarely on the wrong side of the Constitution, the law, and the Kenyan people. He has weaponised the Interior Ministry to protect criminals in uniform and their political patrons.”
The leaders termed the alleged move a direct assault on the rule of law and a breach of the Constitution, stressing that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions operates independently under Article 157(10) and cannot be directed by any authority.
Quoting the National Police Service motto, they added, “Service to all cannot mean protection for the powerful and repression for the opposition. Service to all cannot mean shielding rogue officers while tear-gassing citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Service to all must mean fidelity to the Constitution, impartial enforcement of the law, and equal protection for every Kenyan.”
They argued that continuing engagement with the Inspector General would be “not only unnecessary, but a disservice to Kenyans,” alleging that his authority had been undermined by political interests.
“We therefore find it not only unnecessary, but a disservice to Kenyans, to continue engaging an Inspector General whose hands have been tied by his political masters, and who presides over a force that has been turned into a private militia for the protection of those in power,” reads the statement.
The opposition leaders also announced plans to pursue private prosecutions under Article 157(6)(b) of the Constitution, Section 28 of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, 2013, and Section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
“The United Alternative Government hereby announces that we shall, without further delay, initiate private prosecutions against: • All twelve (12) police officers who participated in the Witima ACK Church attack and the attempted assassination of H.E. Rigathi Gachagua; • The two (2) Members of Parliament who financed and facilitated this criminal operation,” reads the statement.
“The law is on our side. The Constitution is on our side. The Kenyan people are on our side. The perpetrators of this cowardly act, and those who have moved to protect them, should be under no illusion: they will be held to account.”
The leaders further urged IG Kanja to avoid “attacking our upcoming meetings” scheduled in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira, and Nakuru later this month.
“These are lawful assemblies protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every person the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities,” the statement read.
The opposition team had earlier stormed Kanja’s office on Monday, February 16, protesting recent attacks targeting events linked to Gachagua.
Gachagua has repeatedly faulted the police chief for allegedly failing to expedite investigations into the incidents, even with what he claims is available evidence linking some officers to the attacks.
