MERU, Kenya — Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua have threatened to pursue constitutional and legal action against the government after police allegedly blocked them from attending a church event in Meru County.
The two leaders said they were denied entry to the induction ceremony of Reverend David Muthuia Mwiti as Bishop of the Methodist Church of Kenya Kaaga Synod, an incident they argue violates constitutional protections on freedom of worship and assembly.
Musyoka described the move as “unfortunate and unnecessary,” accusing authorities of infringing on constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 32 and 36 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of religion and the right to assemble.
“We further call on the Law Society of Kenya and all defenders of constitutional rights to take note. I am a member of LSK. The weaponisation of police against worshipping citizens is a matter that must not be allowed to pass without consequence,” Musyoka said.
“We shall pursue all available legal and constitutional avenues in response to what happened in Meru today.”
Claims of political interference
The Wiper Democratic Movement leader alleged that police officers were acting under instructions from Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s Deputy President, to prevent their attendance at the church event.
“When Kindiki directs the police to stop Kenyan citizens from entering a place of worship, he is not enforcing the law — he is breaking it,” Musyoka said.
After the incident, the opposition leaders attended a Sunday service at the East Africa Pentecostal Church in Njotene Parish, Buuri Constituency.
Gachagua claimed that police officers, including units from the General Service Unit(GSU), had been deployed around the church to restrict entry.
He criticised the move, saying places of worship should remain neutral spaces accessible to all believers regardless of political affiliation.
“I am asking our brother from Tharaka to stop being used to divide the Mt. Kenya region. Stop intimidating the people of Meru. They are peaceful and hardworking people,” Gachagua said.
Leaders accompany opposition figures
The two leaders were accompanied by several political allies, including Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
The incident has heightened political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region, where rival political camps have intensified mobilisation ahead of future electoral contests.
Kindiki responds
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki later addressed a roadside rally in Meru County, urging visiting political leaders to maintain discipline and avoid incitement that could disrupt peace.
Kindiki criticised his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting leaders and misleading residents through political rhetoric.
“I have warned you many times to stop arrogance and disrespect, but it seems you do not listen. You must respect me, the people of Meru, and other leaders,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also questioned Gachagua’s development record during his tenure in office.
“While serving as Deputy President, you did not bring any meaningful development here. Now you come back with the narrative of a one-term presidency to mislead people,” he added.
The standoff reflects growing political rivalry in the Mt. Kenya region, with both sides trading accusations while appealing to constitutional rights and public order.
