NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the state of orchestrating a violent disruption at a church service in Nyeri County after teargas was lobbed into a packed sanctuary, sending worshippers fleeing in panic.
The chaos unfolded on Sunday at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, where Gachagua was attending a service as a guest.
Midway through the sermon, teargas canisters were hurled into the church, forcing congregants—many of them women and children—to scramble for safety.
Videos online show scenes of distress as worshippers rushed outside choking, coughing, and praying amid the confusion.
In one clip, a young girl is seen collapsing, prompting members of the congregation to lift her and carry her out of the church as others wailed in fear.
The service was immediately halted, and a live media broadcast covering the event cut off abruptly as the teargas spread through the building.
Gachagua Alleges State Involvement
Reacting to the incident, Gachagua claimed the attack was deliberate and state-sponsored, accusing police and government-backed groups of being behind the disruption.
He further alleged that live bullets were fired during the incident and that his convoy was vandalised.
In a strongly worded statement, the former DP directly blamed President William Ruto, alleging there was an attempt on his life during the church service.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and teargas, and my vehicles have been torched. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua said.
Photos circulating online later showed damage to Gachagua’s vehicles.
The incident has sparked fresh debate over political intolerance, police conduct, and the use of force in religious spaces—traditionally regarded as neutral and protected zones.
