Leaders of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) from Kiambu County have vowed to pursue private prosecution over the attack on worshippers at the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Witima Parish in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The leaders have accused security organs and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of failing to act decisively.
The threat of legal action follows a chaotic incident on January 25, 2026, when teargas was hurled inside and around the church compound during a Sunday service attended by former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Videos and eyewitness accounts show worshippers fleeing in panic as gas canisters were detonated, and several vehicles, including those belonging to congregants, were damaged during the unrest.
Police were seen working with goons during the attack that lasted for nearly one hour.
Police say the National Police Service launched investigations into the wind of events, with commands at county and regional levels ordered to secure the scene, gather evidence, and interrogate suspects linked to the disruption.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident and instructed the Inspector General to ensure a swift probe and accountability for those responsible.
However, DCP leaders and allied community figures have accused the police of dragging their feet and showing inaction or bias that has frustrated efforts to bring suspects to book.
According to reports from media accounts, the DCP threat of private prosecution aims to compel the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and investigating authorities to act where they say official processes have stalled.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from civil society and religious bodies.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) said the use of teargas in a place of worship is unconstitutional, violating the right to worship and assembly guaranteed under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The council has demanded an unqualified apology from both the Interior CS and the Police IG and called for the swift prosecution of officers involved.
In related reactions, the Agikuyu Council of Elders has urged the police to arrest and prosecute officers allegedly linked to the violence, warning that continuing attacks on peaceful worshippers could threaten regional peace and unity.
The Nyeri attack has sparked wider debate around the boundaries of policing during political and public gatherings.
Gachagua has repeatedly accused security forces of targeted intimidation, including claims that police have at times aided or failed to prevent attacks on his supporters and allies at events such as church services and political meetings.
The police say investigations into the Witima church incident are ongoing, with the Internal Affairs Unit and county command mandated to act urgently.
