Opposition Leaders Storm Nyeri In Mt Kenya Campaign.
Politics Updated: 08 March 2026 21:23 EAT
United opposition attended church at East Africa Pentecostal Church, Njotene Church Parish, Buuri Constituency, Meru County.
Leaders from Kenya’s United Opposition attended a church service in Meru County on Sunday, March 8, after being blocked from accessing another church where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was attending a religious ceremony.
The opposition delegation was led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and brought together several leaders allied to the emerging anti-government coalition.
Among those present were Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, alongside several senators, Members of Parliament and MCAs allied to the opposition.
The leaders had initially planned to attend a church service at Methodist Church of Kenya Kaaga Church in Meru town.
The service was being held for the induction of Bishop David Muthuia Mwiti of the Methodist Church’s Kaaga Synod and was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the chief guest.
However, police officers reportedly prevented the opposition leaders and their advance teams from entering the church compound, leading to a tense standoff outside the venue.
The restriction forced the opposition team to leave the area and seek an alternative place of worship within the county.
The leaders later proceeded to East Africa Pentecostal Church Njotene Parish in Buuri Constituency where they attended a Sunday service.
At the church, the opposition leaders joined congregants for worship before addressing the faithful and members of the media who had accompanied their convoy.
During the service, Kalonzo Musyoka delivered a joint statement on behalf of the opposition leaders.
In the statement, the leaders accused the government of using security agencies to block them from exercising their constitutional right to worship.
They argued that the police action violated constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion, assembly and association.
Rigathi Gachagua also criticised the heavy police deployment at the Methodist church, saying places of worship should remain neutral spaces open to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The leaders further called for respect for democratic freedoms and urged security agencies to avoid interfering with religious gatherings.
The incident has intensified political tensions in the Mt Kenya region where both government and opposition leaders have been conducting parallel political engagements.
Political observers say the developments highlight the growing rivalry between the two camps as they compete for influence in the region ahead of the 2027 general election.
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FELIX MAKONA
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