Gachagua Says He Is Safe At Wamunyoro After Teargas Chaos At Othaya Church
Politics Updated: 25 January 2026 17:34 EAT
Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team were worshipping before police lobbed teargas and bullets to disperse them
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday said he is safe at his Wamunyoro residence following a violent disruption of a church service he was attending in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The incident occurred at Witima ACK Church, where worshippers were forced to flee after police lobbed teargas during the service, triggering panic and chaos within the church compound.
Gachagua later confirmed that he was evacuated from the area with the help of his private security team and local residents, ending hours of uncertainty over his whereabouts.
In a series of public updates, the former deputy president claimed the disruption was not accidental, alleging that armed individuals were targeting him during the church service.
He further alleged that the attackers were acting with the support of police officers deployed at the scene, describing the events as a failed attempt on his life.
The chaos spilled outside the church compound, with reports indicating that vehicles were damaged and some equipment meant for public address systems was destroyed.
Following the incident, Gachagua appealed to his supporters in Othaya town and surrounding areas to remain calm and disperse peacefully to avoid further confrontation.
Political allies initially raised alarm, with some leaders briefly claiming Gachagua had been abducted before he later confirmed that he had reached safety.
The events at the church attracted sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who condemned the use of force in a place of worship and termed the incident an abuse of state power.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was among those who criticized the operation, calling it a violation of constitutional rights and the sanctity of religious institutions.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned the violence, stating that insecurity in places of worship is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Murkomen ordered investigations into the incident, directing the National Police Service to establish how teargas was deployed during the church service.
As of Sunday evening, police had not issued a detailed statement addressing Gachagua’s claims, as the incident intensified political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.
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FELIX MAKONA
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