Faithfuls choked at Nyeri church as Gachagua claims assassination attempt

People scamper for safety after suspected plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas into Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County, on January 25, 2026. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Terror struck worshippers in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday after people suspected to be plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas into Witima Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), choking hundreds of faithful, including children and infants.

The attack targeted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies. During the chaos, one of Gachagua’s vehicles was torched, while others belonging to his allies were vandalised. Witnesses said armed assailants, some firing AK-47 rifles into the air, caused panic and confusion.

Gachagua has previously been confronted by armed individuals said to be police officers or hired goons while attending church services in Nairobi, Kiambu, Lari, Nyandarua and other areas since returning from a United States tour last August.

In a statement released last evening from his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri, Gachagua said he would not be intimidated by what he termed an assassination attempt.

He dismissed claims that the attackers were unknown individuals, alleging they were police officers operating under the command of two bodyguards said to belong to Murang’a Woman Rep Betty Maina. 

“Goons converged at the home of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi in the morning for briefing, then moved to Witima armed with AK-47 rifles and teargas canisters before descending on the church,” Gachagua claimed.

He said many people, including women and children, were injured, and that his Toyota Land Cruiser was damaged.

“They had come to kill. People are left wondering why their own government would turn against the Church and leaders,” he said.

Murkomen’s reaction

The service was thrown into disarray as congregants fled in panic. Teargas engulfed the compound, live bullets shattered vehicle windscreens, and several cars were vandalised.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said he had “noted with great concern” the incident.

“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I have spoken to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who has assured me investigations are underway with the urgency this matter deserves and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Murkomen said.

He directed police to act “without fear or favour” and pursue both the sponsors and perpetrators, regardless of status or political affiliation.

Gachagua, however, rejected Murkomen’s statement, saying police could not investigate themselves.

“Murkomen cannot tell Kenyans they will investigate anything. The police cannot investigate themselves. These are the same officers who attacked us in Kagio, in Narok, and Senator Joe Nyutu in Murang’a,” he said.

Gachagua has faced similar incidents, including on the day he returned from the United States, at a burial in Limuru in 2024, in Kagio, Kirinyaga, and at churches in Mwiki, Gatundu South, Kiambu and Nairobi.

As the chaos unfolded, Gachagua condemned the incident through his Facebook page, while opposition leaders also criticised the government. Some of his critics, however, dismissed the incident as stage-managed.

Gachagua insisted it was an attempt on his life.

“President William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, attacked with live bullets and teargas, and my vehicles have been torched,” he wrote. “We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive.”

Killer squad

At one point, Gachagua was seen being escorted out of the church compound by his security detail and residents, jumping over a hedge. His whereabouts were briefly unknown.

Several hours later, he confirmed he was safe at his Wamunyoro home.

“I thank the residents of Othaya who helped my private security evacuate me to safety,” he said, urging supporters in Othaya Town and Kiawara to disperse peacefully, noting that his vehicles and sound equipment had been disabled.

“Please note that the killer squad backed by local police is all over the two venues. We do not know their intentions after failing to assassinate me inside a church,” he added.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga condemned what he described as an atrocious and uncalled-for attack on Gachagua and worshippers.

He said Gachagua had a constitutional right to visit any part of the country, attend any church and associate freely.

“How do you teargas women and children in a church?” Kahiga asked, urging calm and calling on Inspector General Kanja to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Bullets and teargas

DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, who accompanied Gachagua, said police and goons lobbed teargas shortly after the service began, ordering people to leave.

He claimed that amid teargas and gunfire, three individuals seized Gachagua.

“We want Gachagua produced. We do not know where he is and our lives are also in danger,” Malala said at the time.

Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba termed the incident deeply disturbing.

“It is only January, with 15 months to the election, yet women and children are fleeing church because of live bullets and teargas,” she said.

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto said they escaped using unfamiliar routes.

“This is desecrating the altar of God. It is a tense moment in Othaya,” he said.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also condemned the incident, calling it a grave violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.

“A church is a sacred space. The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible,” Kalonzo said, adding that he held the Inspector General and all responsible parties fully accountable.

Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni described the attack as shameful and cowardly.

“A church is a sanctuary, not a battlefield. No Kenyan should be threatened or attacked while exercising their fundamental freedoms,” he said, terming the violence an assault on the Constitution, faith and shared humanity.