Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua found himself at the centre of a dramatic and chaotic episode in Othaya, Nyeri County, today , when a church service he was attending at Witima ACK Church turned violent. In a press statement issued after the ordeal, Gachagua thanked God for His mercy and kindness and expressed deep gratitude to the residents of Othaya, who he said assisted his private security team in evacuating him to safety. He confirmed that he had arrived safely at his Wamunyoro residence, but urged his supporters who had gathered in Othaya Town and Kiawara to peacefully return home, noting that his vehicles had been disabled and sound systems dismantled. Gachagua claimed that a “killer squad” backed by local police was present at both venues and that the group had been attacked inside the church with live bullets and tear gas, after which his vehicles were torched — allegations that have not been independently verified at the time of his statement.
The incident drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, issued a strong reaction, describing what took place at Witima ACK Church as a serious violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. In a statement shared on social media, Kalonzo said:
“I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team, together with unarmed leaders and civilians, are trapped inside a place of worship as live bullets and tear gas are deployed and vehicles torched outside.”
He emphasised the sanctity of places of worship, saying:
“A church is a sacred and protected space. The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible.”
Kalonzo went further to hold the Inspector General of Police and those responsible accountable for the safety of all civilians inside the church, stressing that no political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship and warning that Kenya must remain a democratic nation governed by law — not violence, fear, or impunity.
The reactions underlined how the event, which disrupted a Sunday service and sowed panic among congregants, including women and children, has intensified political tensions in the lead‑up to the 2027 general elections. Calls for calm, investigations, and respect for constitutional rights have come from various corners, even as the details and motivations behind the clash continue to unfold.
