NAIROBI, Kenya —During the violent Othaya church attack, a local lady helped worshippers by providing toothpaste to relieve teargas-affected eyes, former MP Kabando Wa Kabando says.
Kabando recounted the harrowing experience during Sunday’s church service at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where worshippers were caught in a violent attack involving police and armed individuals.
Kabando, who attended the service alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders, described the scene as terrifying, with teargas, live bullets, stone-throwing, and vandalism transforming the sanctuary into a “terrorism sphere” for over two hours.
“When I joined Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders for Sunday church service at ACK Witima Othaya, I didn’t imagine that a holy ceremony would be turned into teargas, live bullets, stone-throwing, and vandalism by uniformed policemen and goons,” Kabando said.
I thank God for His Mercy and Kindness. I thank the residents of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety.I am now safe having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence.I request thousands of my supporters waiting for me in Othaya Town and Kiawara to
Eyewitnesses said some worshippers fled into nearby coffee plantations for safety, while children, the elderly, clergy, and Gachagua remained inside the church compound as chaos unfolded.
Kabando highlighted an extraordinary act of kindness amid the violence.
“After the first police attack, a Samaritan, a gracious local lady, brought pieces of toothpaste from an adjacent kiosk for us to apply to our tear-affected eyes. I applied it,” he recalled.
When I joined Rigathi Gachagua & other leaders for Sunday church service, ACK Witima Othaya, I didn’t imagine that holy ceremony would be turned into teargas, live bullets, stone-throwing, vandalism by uniformed policemen and goons. First attack, then a second, even a third. For
Kabando also addressed critics who may not sympathize with those affected by the attack.
“Some naughty Kasongoists won’t feel our pain. It’s just fine. It’s our pain. Let it be. We shall overcome. In our small and big ways, we will find our solution,” he said.
The Othaya church attack follows a series of similar incidents in Nyeri County and parts of Nairobi, where church services attended by opposition leaders have been disrupted, raising concerns over political violence and police conduct.
Security agencies have been urged to ensure that places of worship remain safe and free from political confrontation.
Civil society groups, clergy, and politicians have condemned the Othaya attack as a violation of constitutional rights and freedom of worship.
As investigations into the incident continue, Kenyans are demanding accountability and assurance that such violent intrusions into places of worship do not recur.
