NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the disruption of a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, describing it as a totally unacceptable violation of the sanctity of worship.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NPS said a teargas canister was thrown inside the church, causing panic and damaging several vehicles in the compound.
“The nature of this incident is totally unacceptable and has no place in this country,” the police said, assuring the public that those responsible would be dealt with firmly and swiftly according to the law.
The police added that the Nyeri Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) was immediately dispatched to secure the scene, while the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) has been directed to conduct an urgent and thorough investigation.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua Alleges Targeted Attack
While the NPS presented the incident as a disruption under investigation, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed he was the target of a planned attack, alleging that a gang of police officers and hired goons had stormed the church to intimidate him and his supporters.
He accused Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina of orchestrating the assault.
Gachagua said women and children were hurt and several vehicles, including his Toyota Land Cruiser (KDK 002), were damaged.
He linked the Witima incident to a series of politically motivated attacks he claims to have endured since leaving office, including previous church disruptions and threats against his family.
Political and Security Context
A key political figure in Mount Kenya and former Deputy President, Gachagua has repeatedly warned that politically motivated violence is escalating ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He described the attacks as part of a campaign to intimidate him for speaking out against corruption and other national issues, and called on authorities to ensure accountability and protect worshippers.
Despite the disruption, Gachagua vowed to continue his political work and urged the international community to monitor the situation, emphasizing that attacks on churches and political leaders threaten national stability.
