NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has given the national police service until February 16 to arrest officers allegedly involved in a violent disruption at an Anglican church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, last Sunday, or face nationwide demonstrations.
Gachagua and other opposition leaders met police officials in Nairobi this week, where he presented a petition demanding swift action following an incident at St. Peter’s ACK Witima Church on January 25.
According to multiple reports, a teargas canister was thrown into the church compound during the service, causing panic among worshippers, including children and the elderly.
Rigathi Gachagua: I have looked at the IG of police straight in the eye, and told him that the attack at Witima Church was an assassination attempt… a special squad of police officers called Nairobi Sierra of 12 officers was dispatched to eliminate us. We have told the IG that
Vehicles in the compound were damaged and Gachagua’s motorcade was affected during the chaos.
At a press briefing after the meeting with Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Gachagua said the church attack was more than a breach of public order and described it as a targeted assassination attempt.
He alleged that a specialised police unit of about 12 officers, dubbed “Nairobi Sierra”, was dispatched from Nairobi to carry out the attack. Gachagua said he has submitted the names of the officers he wants to be arrested, disarmed and charged.
“We have told the IG that before we return on February 16, those members of that unit must be arrested, disarmed and taken to court,” Gachagua said.
He warned that if no action is taken, he and his allies will organise mass protests across the country and demand the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Kanja and the two Deputy IGs from office.
Opposition figures joined Gachagua in delivering the petition, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Senator Dan Maanzo.
Police have launched an investigation into the Othaya church incident, and the Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable and promising that action would be taken against those responsible.
Authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward and help with the inquiry.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) also condemned the use of force and tear gas at a place of worship, calling it a violation of the freedom of worship and urging transparent investigations and accountability.
No confirmed arrests have been announced publicly in connection with the incident.
