NAIROBI, Kenya — Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has condemned the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing it as “unconstitutional barbarism” and insisting that no political rivalry justifies terror in a house of worship.
The attack occurred on Sunday during a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused the state of orchestrating the disruption.
Wamuchomba said the church is sacred and should never be turned into a battlefield.
She also urged the Inspector General of Police and all responsible authorities to take full accountability for the safety of worshippers and civilians.
“No rivalry justifies terror in God’s house,” Wamuchomba said, adding that attacking a sacred place of worship is indefensible.
I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where @rigathi, his team & unarmed civilians are trapped as live bullets & tear gas rain down, vehicles torched outside. A church is sacred not a battlefield! This is unconstitutional barbarism. I hold IG
Chaos Inside the Church
The incident unfolded at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, where Gachagua was attending a service as a guest.
Midway through the sermon, teargas canisters were thrown into the packed sanctuary, forcing worshippers — including women and children — to flee in panic.
Videos circulating online show congregants coughing and praying as they rushed outside.
In one clip, a young girl collapses inside the church and is carried out by members of the congregation.
A live broadcast of the service was abruptly cut short as the teargas spread through the building.
Gachagua Alleges State Involvement
Gachagua claimed the attack was deliberate and state-sponsored, alleging that police and government-backed groups were behind the disruption.
He further alleged that live bullets were fired during the incident and that his convoy was vandalised.
In a statement, the former DP directly blamed President William Ruto, claiming there was an attempt on his life during the church service.
“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. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua said.
Photos circulating online later showed damage to vehicles believed to be part of his convoy.
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 tear gas and torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive
The attack has renewed debate over political intolerance and the conduct of security agencies in religious spaces — traditionally protected and neutral zones.
Wamuchomba’s condemnation adds pressure on authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that religious institutions remain protected from political violence.
