NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of driving Kenya toward a “failed state” after police officers fired tear gas and live bullets at worshippers during a service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The incident, which occurred as crowds gathered for a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparked chaos as worshippers and political allies fled for safety.
Videos circulating on social media showed damaged vehicles, shattered windshields, and a scene of panic that has since reignited public debate on police conduct and political intolerance.
Maraga, now a vocal critic of the Ruto administration, blasted the police response, describing it as an unacceptable assault on civilians in a place of worship.
“A government that teargasses its people — men and women, the elderly, and children — in a church has lost all common decency. It has become a den of criminals,” Maraga said.
He demanded a public apology from President Ruto and called for the officers involved to be arraigned within 24 hours, insisting that the incident amounts to a severe breach of constitutional rights.
“We demand that President Ruto must tender a public apology to Kenyans, and in particular the worshippers at Witima Church in Nyeri,” he said.
Fellow Kenyans, we cannot be bystanders as Ruto drives Kenya into a failed state. A government that teargases its people – men and women, the elderly, and children – in a church, has lost all common decency. It has become den of criminals.We demand that President Ruto must
Vehicles Damaged as Police Move In
Police reportedly moved in to disperse crowds outside the church compound, triggering clashes that left several vehicles damaged, including all cars in Gachagua’s convoy.
The destruction of property was widely shared online, fuelling public outrage and calls for accountability.
Videos Show Police, Armed Goons Working Together in Othaya Church Violence ynews.digital/headline-1/pol…
Government Response
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that investigations into the incident were underway.
He said he had spoken with Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who assured him that the matter was being treated with urgency and that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“Violence anywhere — and least of all in a place of worship — is unacceptable,” Murkomen said in a statement.
The CS reiterated that the government would not tolerate excessive force or politically motivated violence.
Gachagua Claims Assassination Attempt
Hours earlier, Gachagua alleged that the violence was an assassination attempt orchestrated by a “state-sponsored killer squad” supported by local police.
He claimed officers deliberately targeted his convoy despite knowing he was attending a church service.
“Please note that the killer squad backed by the local police are all over the two venues… after failing to assassinate me inside a church,” he said.
Following the incident, the DCP Party leader announced the cancellation of planned rallies in Othaya Town and Kiawara, stating that his vehicles had been disabled and sound systems dismantled.
The incident has intensified political tensions in the Mt Kenya region, prompting civil society leaders and opposition figures to demand accountability.
Many have called for respect for places of worship and a thorough investigation into police conduct.
