NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders of the Opposition have announced plans to meet Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday to demand accountability over the tear-gas disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, an incident that has sparked national outrage and intensified political tensions.
The meeting comes after a violent incident on January 25, 2026, when tear-gas canisters were lobbed inside St. Peter’s ACK Church (Witima) during a Sunday service attended by former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and other worshippers.
Videos and eyewitness accounts show congregants fleeing as gas filled the sanctuary, leading to widespread condemnation from religious leaders and politicians.
Speaking on Sunday, Gachagua said the United Opposition would return to the IG’s office on Monday to seek clarity on the investigations into those responsible for the disruption, which he and his allies have described as an affront to the sanctity of worship.
“Our objective is to get answers from the police leadership on the status of the investigations and ensure that those who violated the rights of worshippers are brought to justice,” Gachagua said.
Opposition leaders say they will press for swift arrests and prosecutions of security officers and others involved.
Political Backlash and Threats of Protests
The call for the meeting follows a broader campaign by the United Opposition to hold security agencies accountable for violence they say has repeatedly targeted opposition figures and supporters.
On January 30, opposition leaders marched to the Inspector General’s office at Jogoo House to protest what they described as persistent attacks and harassment.
DCP Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala warned that unless the police arrest officers implicated in the Othaya incident by a set deadline, the opposition may organise nationwide demonstrations.
Hours before the scheduled visit, police issued a statement asking eyewitnesses to record a statement over the incident.
