NAIROBI, Kenya — Human rights defender Boniface Mwangi and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua have condemned the violent disruption of a church service at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing the incident as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to peaceful elections.
Mwangi accused President William Ruto of deliberately fostering chaos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It’s very clear Ruto doesn’t want peaceful elections in 2027. He wants to instigate tribal clashes so that he can rig the votes,” Mwangi said.
“It’s in Ruto’s interest to ensure everyone who is running against him is safe before anarchy and violence become the norm. The violence must stop.”
Use of excessive force is unacceptable and contrary to the law. How can @WilliamsRuto who claims to be a Christian mastermind an assault of innocent worshippers? Political competition is not a reason for him to abuse state security (our resources ) to vent private spleen against
The incident unfolded on Sunday morning while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the service.
Viral videos showed police firing teargas and armed individuals throwing stones inside the church, forcing worshippers, including children, the elderly, clergy, and Gachagua himself, to flee for safety.
Karua, a former Cabinet Minister, also condemned the use of state security forces in the attack.
“Use of excessive force is unacceptable and contrary to the law. How can President Ruto, who claims to be a Christian, mastermind an assault on innocent worshippers?” she asked.
“Political competition is not a reason to abuse state security — our resources — to vent private spleen against the second deputy president. This incident amounts to a gross violation of human rights, and we call upon Haki Kenya, KNCHR, and IPOA to take action.”
It’s very clear Ruto doesn’t want peaceful elections in 2027. He wants to instigate tribal clashes so that he can rig the votes. It’s in Ruto’s interest to ensure everyone who is running against him is safe before anarchy and violence become the norm. The violence must stop!
The Othaya church attack comes amid growing concerns over political violence in Kenya, particularly targeting opposition leaders and their supporters.
Civil society and political leaders have repeatedly warned that such acts threaten democratic norms and the safety of citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
The attack at ACK Witima Church follows a series of similar disruptions in Nyeri and Kiambu Counties and parts of Nairobi, where church services attended by Gachagua were repeatedly targeted, raising questions about police neutrality and the protection of worshippers.
Weaponising state resources like the police has become a normal occurrence in the leadership of @WilliamsRuto. Today’s service at Witima ACK church in Othaya was interrupted by a heavy police presence. The service was being attended by former DP @rigathi.