Africa-Press – Kenya. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the violent attack that occurred on Sunday at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team were attending a service.
The incident, which involved the deployment of tear gas and live bullets, left civilians and churchgoers trapped inside the place of worship, while vehicles outside were set ablaze.
“This is a grave and unacceptable violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. A church is a sacred and protected space. The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible,” Kalonzo said on X.
He held the Inspector General of Police and all those responsible fully accountable for the safety of Gachagua, his team, and the civilians inside the church.
“No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship,” he added, emphasising that Kenya must remain a constitutional democracy governed by law, not violence, fear, or impunity.
Gachagua himself shared a chilling account of the ordeal on social media, claiming that the government had sent a squad to disrupt the church service.
He described the scene as chaotic and life-threatening, noting that both his team and local churchgoers were under attack.
“We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua wrote, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
This is not the first time Gachagua has been at the centre of controversy involving the use of force by security agencies during public gatherings.
One of the earliest incidents occurred in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service on November 28, 2024, when Gachagua alleged that he and mourners were targeted with tear gas, disrupting the solemn proceedings and forcing attendees to flee.
Though official confirmation of tear gas use at this event remains limited, it underscored growing concerns over the deployment of security forces in politically sensitive situations.
In July 2025, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo, Murang’a County, ended in chaos when police blocked roads and fired tear gas, forcing congregants, including elderly worshippers and children, to flee.
Later, on August 2, 2025, a rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was disrupted when police again deployed tear gas at participants, abruptly ending the meeting.
These repeated incidents have drawn public attention and criticism from civil society groups, opposition leaders, and religious organizations, who argue that the use of force in churches, funerals, and political gatherings violates constitutional rights to worship, assembly, and peaceful participation in public life.
