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| Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen |
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violent disruption of a Sunday church service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, calling it an unacceptable attack on democratic values and freedom of worship.
The incident occurred during a morning service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, after individuals believed to be plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas canisters and fired gunshots, forcing congregants to flee amid chaos and panic.
In a statement issued Sunday, January 25 evening, Murkomen said violence has no place in society, particularly within places of worship, and directed security agencies to act swiftly and impartially.
“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said, adding that he had already engaged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure immediate and thorough investigations.
The Interior CS instructed the police to pursue all those involved without regard to political affiliation or social status, warning against the misuse of security institutions for partisan interests. He also urged residents of Nyeri County to remain calm as investigations continue.
“As a Government, we remain firmly committed to upholding the tenets of democracy, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship,” Murkomen said.
Following the incident, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of orchestrating the chaos, alleging an attempt on his life.
In a statement shared online, the former deputy president claimed that teargas and live ammunition were used during the service and that his vehicles were vandalized.
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| Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County |
“We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas,” Gachagua said, appealing to Kenyans to pray for his safety and that of other worshippers.
At the same time, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the incident, questioning how individuals in plain clothes accessed teargas canisters, which he said are typically controlled by the Kenya Police Service.
Kalonzo accused the government of undermining democratic gains and warned against turning places of worship into battlegrounds for political disputes.
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| Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka |
“I plead with fellow Kenyans to reject the capture of the church, attacks on holy places and throwing of teargas,” Kalonzo said, cautioning that any harm to Gachagua would have grave consequences for the country.
Photos circulating from the scene showed clouds of teargas surrounding the church compound as congregants scattered for safety.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish responsibility for the incident.
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