NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has called for urgent legal action against suspects involved in the January 25, 2026, attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
Speaking during a church service in Zimmerman, Roysambu, Nairobi, Gachagua alleged that the suspects, including police officers, are known, but their files have not been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“The investigation is over, and we know all the officers who attacked us in ACK Witima. We also know the Member of Parliament involved, but we see there is reluctance to forward the file to the ODPP,” he said.
He described the attack as an act of terrorism and warned that the church cannot forgive the government until those responsible face the law.
“Until those people have been prosecuted the church cannot forgive the government. Attacks on a church is a terrorist act and those who attacked us are terrorists,” Gachagua said.
The opposition leader added that the United Opposition plans to visit Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday to demand accountability.
“We were there two weeks ago and tomorrow at 10:00 am we will go back to ask him why those people have not been taken to court,” he stated.
During the Witima attack, tear gas and live bullets were reportedly used, vehicles were destroyed, and congregants were injured. Opposition sources claim the incident was orchestrated by a special police unit referred to as “Sierra.”
At least 15 individuals have been named, including Major Nicholas Mwachovi, Cpl John Maina (alias Birash), Cpl Vincent Maronga, Peter Matu, Owen Kagia, David Ochieng, Erick Obiero, Jeff Mutwiri, Jackson Kioko, Kefa Okwoyo, Crispin Walumbe Muthoni, Stephen Habire Chege, Peter Wainaina Kabuga, Ambrose Manyeki Njeri (alias Magrass), and Simon Mwangi Wangari (alias Sanchez).
The incident follows a series of attacks allegedly aimed at undermining Gachagua’s political engagements. A detailed letter sent by the opposition to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto, lists 23 separate attacks against Gachagua, his family, supporters, and the public between November 2024 and January 2026.
The incidents spanned multiple counties, including Limuru, Shamata, Nyeri, Meru, Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Murang’a, Narok, Nairobi, and Kirinyaga, some involving tear gas, live ammunition, and alleged police facilitation.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the disruption and assured that swift police action will follow.
“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation,” Murkomen said.
The Witima church attack has intensified calls for accountability and highlighted tensions between political factions and state security agencies, raising concerns over the protection of citizens and places of worship.
