NAIROBI, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly condemned the violent disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, where teargas was lobbed into a packed sanctuary, triggering panic among worshippers.
In a post on X, Sifuna questioned the government’s priorities following the incident at Wairima ACK Church, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attending a service.
“We dualized Kenol–Marua road so that state ghouls can quickly deliver teargas to churches in Nyeri?” Sifuna wrote. “I will keep saying ‘development’ will not make any sense once our national values are abandoned. Roads are nice, but I will choose freedom and democracy any day.”
We dualized Kenol-Marua road so that state ghouls can quickly deliver teargas to Churches in Nyeri? I will keep saying “development” will not make any sense once our national values are abandoned. Roads are nice, but I will choose freedom and democracy any day.
Chaos Inside Church Service
The incident unfolded mid-sermon when teargas canisters were hurled into the church, forcing congregants — including women and children — to flee in distress.
Videos circulating online show chaotic scenes as worshippers rushed outside coughing and choking, while others prayed amid the confusion.
In one clip, a young girl is seen collapsing before members of the congregation lift her and carry her to safety.
The service was abruptly halted, and a live media broadcast covering the event cut off as teargas spread through the building.
Gachagua Alleges State-Sponsored Attack
Reacting to the incident, Gachagua accused the state of orchestrating the disruption, alleging that police and government-backed groups were responsible.
In a statement, the former deputy president claimed live bullets were fired during the chaos and that his convoy was vandalised.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and teargas, and my vehicles have been torched,” Gachagua said, calling on Kenyans to pray for their safety.
Images later shared online showed damage to vehicles linked to Gachagua’s convoy.
