Africa-Press. Rigathi Gachagua, a prominent figure in Kenya’s opposition, has claimed he survived an assassination attempt during Sunday Mass at church. Gachagua, who was removed from office as deputy president in his 2024 impeachment trial, alleged that a group of corrupt police officers stormed the church in Othaya, in Nyeri County in central Kenya, using live bullets and tear gas.
Without presenting evidence, Gachagua accused his former ally, President William Ruto, of ordering the attack. Ruto has not commented, but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.
Police said they had opened an investigation, adding that no injuries had been reported. Police reports indicated that a tear gas grenade was thrown inside St Peter’s Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT), disrupting the service.
The police reported that several vehicles within the church compound were damaged, and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the Mount Kenya region and now one of the president’s fiercest critics, said his security team escorted him to safety.
He posted photos of the incident on X and later held a press conference in which he denied claims by pro-government bloggers that the attack had been staged. The leader of the Citizens’ Democracy Party asked: “Where would we get tear gas?… Where would we get Kalashnikov rifles?”
The Interior Minister wrote on X: “Violence anywhere, especially in places of worship, is unacceptable.” He added: “Police must act without fear or favour, and deal firmly with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, regardless of their social status or political affiliation.”
Under Kenya’s constitution, Gachagua’s conviction by the Senate means he is barred from holding public office again. He had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges and was convicted on five, including incitement of ethnic hatred and violating his constitutional oath.
However, the politician — popularly known as “Riggy G” — insists he will run for president next year, as he has appealed the ruling and the Supreme Court has not yet delivered its judgment on his removal.
Ruto and Gachagua were elected together in 2022, and their alliance helped secure victory by mobilizing strong support in Mount Kenya, stronghold of the Kikuyu people, who form Kenya’s largest voting bloc.
