NAIROBI, Kenya- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violence that erupted at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing the disruption of a place of worship as “unacceptable” and deeply troubling.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Murkomen said the incident—linked to a church service attended by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua—crossed a dangerous line, warning that violence has no place in Kenya’s democratic space, least of all inside a church.
“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
Police Investigations Underway
The Interior CS revealed that he had spoken directly with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who assured him that investigations had begun and were being handled with urgency.
Murkomen directed the National Police Service to act decisively and without political bias, saying both the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors would be held accountable regardless of their influence or political affiliation.
“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional freedoms, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship, even as security agencies work to restore calm in Othaya and its environs.
Chaos at Witima ACK Church
The incident unfolded during a Sunday service at Witima ACK Church, where teargas was lobbed, forcing worshippers to flee and temporarily halting the service. Several vehicles linked to Gachagua were vandalised amid the confusion.
Gachagua later confirmed that he was safely evacuated and had returned to his Wamunyoro residence, urging his supporters to disperse peacefully.
In the heat of the chaos, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa claimed in a social media post that plain-clothed police officers were involved in the operation and alleged that Gachagua and other leaders had been briefly trapped inside the church.
A Pattern of Disruptions?
The Othaya incident has revived scrutiny over repeated disruptions at public gatherings involving the former Deputy President.
Since late 2024, several events attended by Gachagua—including funerals, church services and political rallies in Limuru, Kahuro (Murang’a), Gilgil, Narok, and Gatundu South—have ended in chaos following police interventions and the use of teargas.
While authorities have often cited security concerns, critics argue that the pattern raises serious questions about proportionality, political neutrality, and the protection of civilians, especially in sensitive spaces such as churches.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on security agencies to clarify what happened in Othaya—and to explain how a Sunday church service once again became the epicentre of Kenya’s escalating political tensions.
