Police Provide Update on Witima Church Attack as Gachagua Plans IG Kanja Meeting
Investigations are ongoing into the attack on ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where armed assailants disrupted a gathering on 25 January.
The attack, which occurred during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has raised concerns over security and political violence in Kenya.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on 15 February that evidence is being collected, including video footage and intelligence reports.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga emphasised that the success of the investigation depends on detailed witness statements and public cooperation. “The speed and effectiveness of the process are reliant on the cooperation of complainants and the public,” Nyaga said.
The incident has drawn criticism from Gachagua and opposition leaders, who accuse police of inaction despite clear evidence. Gachagua, speaking at a church service in Roysambu on 15 February, stated that opposition leaders would meet with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja the following day to seek answers.
“We were there two weeks ago, seeking to know who attacked the church and why no one has been charged,” he said, demanding accountability.
The timing of the police statement coincided with further unrest in Kitengela, where a rally led by ODM’s Edwin Sifuna was disrupted by tear gas. Opposition figures have linked these incidents, claiming that their events are being targeted to undermine democratic freedoms.
