Gachagua Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Othaya Church Attack

Rigathi Gachagua has warned of nationwide protests if police officers linked to a violent incident at a church in Othaya are not arrested by mid-February.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on 30 January, the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader accused the police of carrying out a coordinated attack during a church service at ACK Witima Church on 25 January. He claimed the operation amounted to an attempted assassination.

Gachagua alleged that a group of 12 officers entered the church, fired teargas and live ammunition, vandalised his motorcade, and set his main vehicle on fire. He said the incident was deliberate and politically motivated, not an isolated security lapse.

He told reporters that he had submitted the names of the officers he holds responsible to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. He demanded their immediate arrest, disarmament, and prosecution. Gachagua also claimed that senior police officials authorised vehicles from Nairobi to transport the officers to Othaya, which he said pointed to direct state involvement.

“We have told the Inspector General that before we return on February 16, those officers must be arrested, disarmed, and taken to court,” he said, adding that the police leadership must give a clear assurance.

Gachagua warned that failure to act would lead to nationwide demonstrations. He said the protests would target Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and the two Deputy Inspectors General. He also called for their removal from office pending comprehensive police reforms.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki rejected the allegations, describing them as “primitive politics” and accusing Gachagua of staging the incident to gain public sympathy. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also dismissed the claims, calling them “stage-managed” and intended to influence opinion at home and abroad.

Religious leaders condemned the incident, citing the use of force inside a place of worship. The National Council of Churches of Kenya and the United Clergy Alliance said the violence traumatised congregants, including women and children who fled the church in fear.