NAIROBI, Kenya — Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has condemned the violent disruption of a church service at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing it as a deliberate violation of the fundamental right to worship.
In a statement released on Sunday, Khalid criticized the apparent collaboration between police officers and armed individuals during the attack, warning that such actions threaten Kenya’s democratic space.
“Police and goons are working together to violate the fundamental right to worship,” Khalid said.
“They did the same when we were protesting for a better Kenya in the streets. It would appear the system has adopted this as its modus operandi. Sad, sad situation whose end can only be disastrous.”
Police and goons working together to violate the fundamental right to worship.They did the same when we were protesting for a better Kenya in the streets.It would appear the system has adopted this as its modus operandi.Sad sad situation whose end can only be disastrous.
The incident occurred while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended the Sunday service.
Viral videos show police firing teargas and armed individuals throwing stones inside the church compound, forcing worshippers, including children, the elderly, clergy, and Gachagua, to flee or take cover.
This attack is part of a worrying trend of political violence in Kenya, where opposition figures and their supporters have repeatedly been targeted, raising concerns about the use of state security resources to intimidate citizens and disrupt lawful gatherings.
Civil society groups, human rights organizations, and political leaders have all condemned the Othaya church incident, calling for impartial investigations and accountability for those responsible.
As the country prepares for the 2027 elections, human rights defenders warn that unchecked violence could undermine democratic principles and escalate political tensions across Kenya.
