NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has resurfaced hours after a dramatic Sunday morning incident at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, confirming that he was safely evacuated following chaos that saw teargas canisters lobbed and gunshots reportedly fired near the church compound.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he escaped the melee with the help of local residents and is now back at his Wamunyoro home.
“I thank the residents of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” Gachagua said in a post on X.
His update followed hours of uncertainty, with sections of the opposition and his supporters expressing concern over his whereabouts after videos circulated online showing teargas canisters, fleeing worshippers, and the sound of gunshots during the church service he was scheduled to attend.
Supporters Told to Go Home
Gachagua appealed for calm, urging thousands of his supporters who had gathered in Othaya town and nearby Kiawara to disperse peacefully.
“I request that my supporters waiting for me in Othaya Town and Kiawara to peacefully go home as our vehicles have been disabled and sound systems dismantled,” he added.
Images shared online showed damaged vehicles and debris scattered around the church and surrounding areas, underscoring the scale of the disruption.
Claims of State Involvement
The former DP doubled down on his earlier claims that the incident was not spontaneous, alleging that police officers acted on specific government instructions to disrupt the event.
Moments after the chaos erupted, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka issued a strongly worded statement, directly accusing President William Ruto and his allies of orchestrating the attack.
“If anything happens to Rigathi Gachagua, William Ruto, you will not have a country, beginning with yourself. Kenya will hold you wholly responsible,” Kalonzo warned.
Leaders Recount Chaos Inside Church
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who was also present at the service, painted a grim picture of the events inside the church.
“The church was first tear-gassed with the assistance of police. The doors were then locked, trapping worshippers and leaders inside, as vehicles and parts of the church were set ablaze,” Thang’wa claimed.
He further alleged that the chaos left several people injured, saying some men and women were shot and several children fainted as panic spread among congregants.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with growing calls for accountability over the use of force at a place of worship and concerns over the safety of civilians and political leaders alike.
As pressure mounts, attention is now turning to security agencies and whether an independent investigation will be launched into the events in Othaya.
