Tear Gas Fired at Worshippers During Gachagua’s Church Visit

Violence erupted at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday when tear gas was fired inside the church, forcing worshippers, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to flee.

Witnesses reported that a group of unidentified individuals, some wearing military-style jackets, threw stones at vehicles parked outside the church, causing damage to several cars, which were later towed away. Gachagua accused the police of orchestrating the attack, alleging that his team and congregants were subjected to live ammunition and tear gas during the incident.

Nyeri County Police Commander Kipchirchir Too denied any police involvement, stating that no officers were present at the scene, but confirmed an investigation was underway following the reports. Despite this, opposition leaders and civil society organisations condemned the incident as a serious breach of constitutional rights.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka called the attack a “grave and unacceptable violation” of the Constitution, emphasising that places of worship must remain protected. Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi also condemned the violence, describing it as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Gachagua later shared his experience on social media, describing how he and his supporters were “marooned in church” and attacked with live bullets and tear gas. This incident adds to a growing list of similar confrontations involving the former Deputy President, including a funeral disruption in Limuru in November 2024 and a church incident in Murang’a in July 2025.