United Opposition Plans Return to Othaya a Week After Gachagua Church Attack
Politics Updated: 31 January 2026 23:08 EAT
United Opposition leaders when they visited IG Douglas Kanja
United Opposition leaders have announced they will return to Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, a week after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was caught up in chaos during a church service in Witima. The visit is expected to include a church service, community engagements, and a political rally.
The day will begin with a church service at ACK Gitugi Church in Murang’a County, where coalition leaders, including Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, are expected to attend alongside local congregation members. The service is scheduled for the morning, ahead of subsequent political activities.
Following the service, the delegation plans to move to Gitugi Centre in Mathioya Constituency for a “meet the people” event, allowing opposition leaders to engage directly with local residents. The event is part of a broader strategy to maintain outreach across central Kenya.
The return to Othaya comes after an incident at Witima ACK Church on January 25, when teargas was reportedly deployed, and services were disrupted as Gachagua attended. The event drew widespread attention and condemnation from opposition leaders and human rights advocates.
Opposition figures have accused a specialised police unit of targeting them during the church service, claiming the attack was politically motivated. They have called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible before any further political engagements in the region.
Ahead of the planned visit, coalition leaders lodged a formal complaint with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding accountability and assurances of security for all opposition members during their return. The complaint underscores ongoing tensions between opposition groups and law enforcement.
The United Opposition delegation will include prominent leaders such as Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Cleophas Malala, Justin Muturi, alongside Gachagua and Musyoka. Their involvement highlights the coalition’s intent to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Security officials in Nyeri and Murang’a counties have indicated they are preparing to ensure a peaceful and orderly return, with additional police personnel deployed to monitor both the church service and the rally in Othaya town.
Opposition leaders have warned that failure to address their security and accountability concerns could prompt broader demonstrations across the country. The Othaya visit is being framed as a test of the government’s responsiveness to allegations of political intimidation.
Political analysts note that the incident in Othaya has intensified tensions ahead of the elections, with opposition leaders framing the church attack as a violation of democratic rights, while government critics argue that the heightened rhetoric reflects deeper political divisions in the country.
As Sunday approaches, residents of Othaya and surrounding areas are preparing for an influx of visitors, with both supporters and security personnel expected to play key roles in maintaining a calm environment. The outcome of the visit could influence the tone of political engagement in central Kenya in the coming months.
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FELIX MAKONA
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