Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called for impartial enforcement of the law following violence at Witima ACK Church in Othaya that involved former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Matiang’i expressed relief that the former deputy president is safe following the Sunday incident.
In a statement on Sunday, Matiang’i said that ensuring justice and protecting citizens’ rights must be non-partisan, warning that selective enforcement erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“I am relieved that my colleague, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, is safe. My fellow Kenyans, the law cannot be obeyed by the opposition alone. The government must also obey the law, and accountability must apply equally, without fear or favor,” Matiang’i said.
The confrontation has sparked renewed debate over rising political tensions and the safety of public gatherings, particularly in places of worship.
The chaos occurred on Sunday at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Gachagua and his team were attending a church service.
The incident, which involved the deployment of teargas and live bullets, left civilians and worshippers trapped inside the church, while vehicles outside were set ablaze.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and deeply troubling.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Murkomen said violence has no place in society, noting that the incident was particularly disturbing because it occurred in a place of worship.
“I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
The CS revealed that he had spoken to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who assured him that investigations are underway and are being handled with urgency.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Sunday directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to investigate a teargas attack that disrupted the church service.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the incident occurred at about 11am while a church service was underway and attended by several political leaders, including Gachagua.
Police reports indicated that an unidentified individual threw a teargas canister into the church, forcing the congregation to flee and bringing the service to an abrupt halt.
Several vehicles parked within the church compound were also reportedly damaged during the chaos that followed.
NPS spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the Regional Police Commander for the Central Region immediately instructed the Nyeri County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) to secure the scene and commence investigations.
“Upon being briefed on the incident, Kanja escalated the matter, directing the IAU to move in swiftly and probe the circumstances surrounding the attack,” Muchiri said.
“No injuries were reported,” police said, adding that the incident was “totally unacceptable and has no place in this country.”
In a statement, the NPS strongly condemned the disruption, reiterating that it abhors violence in all its forms and warning that those responsible will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the law.
