NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has spoken out after chaos erupted at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where teargas was lobbed during a Sunday service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, forcing congregants to flee in panic.
In a post shared on X, Kabando reassured family and friends that he and others who had been trapped inside the church were safely evacuated, even as images circulated online showing him with toothpaste smeared around his eyes — a common improvised method used to reduce the effects of teargas.
“Family & friends, no worries please, we are now okay, safely evacuated from trapped Witima ACK Church,” Kabando wrote. “Thank you, our gallant, creative Gen Zs. Your innovation — toothpaste — does miracles on tear gas!”
The incident occurred midway through the service at the Othaya church, triggering scenes of fear and confusion.
Videos seen by Y News showed worshippers — including women and children — scrambling for exits, some covering their mouths and noses as the teargas spread through the sanctuary.
At least one young girl was seen fainting as congregants rushed her outside for help, forcing the service to be halted.
Kabando went on to sharply criticise President William Ruto, accusing the state of using violence to intimidate political opponents.
“Mr Ruto, your terrorism only makes us more determined to defeat you,” he added.
His remarks echo those of Rigathi Gachagua, who earlier accused security agencies of orchestrating the attack, claiming teargas was fired into the church compound and alleging that live bullets were used and vehicles in his motorcade vandalised.
Gachagua described the incident as an assassination attempt and called on Kenyans to pray for his safety.
The attack has since drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups, with concerns raised over the use of force in a place of worship.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka termed the incident a “grave and unacceptable violation of the Constitution,” warning that no political rivalry could justify violence against unarmed civilians inside a church.
The incident also disrupted live media coverage of the service, with broadcasts cutting off abruptly as the teargas took effect.
As pressure mounts, questions continue to be raised over police conduct and accountability, with calls for an independent investigation into the events at Witima ACK Church and the circumstances under which force was deployed against worshippers.
