What You Need to Know
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that all police officers involved in the Witima ACK Church attack have been transferred rather than charged. This decision comes amid a police reshuffle, with Gachagua alleging that the transfers are linked to the incident. He warned that those implicated could face legal consequences in the future, emphasizing accountability for police commanders
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that all police officers linked to the Witima ACK Church attack have been transferred.
During a media engagement, Gachagua suggested the decision to transfer the officers was the chosen course of action instead of pursuing immediate criminal charges.
“In the Witima case, we asked for the officers not to be charged but to be transferred,” he said.
His comments come amid a reshuffle within the police command structure that has redeployed senior officers across regions.
In the changes, former Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda was transferred to the Western region in what authorities described as a normal move aiming to enhance operations.
Gachagua, however, linked the transfer directly to the Witima incident, alleging that the commander played a role in facilitating the attack.
“Regional commander Seda, who gave guns and vehicles, has been transferred to Mombasa. The other 12 officers have been given transfers here and there.”
The alleged attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, has remained a contentious issue, with opposition leaders accusing security agencies of using excessive force during a church service.
In February, the United Opposition announced plans to pursue private legal action against 12 police officers and two Members of Parliament allegedly involved in the attack.
Gachagua’s latest remarks now suggest that instead of prosecutions, administrative action in the form of transfers has instead been effected.
He maintained that further action would be taken, saying that those implicated could still face legal consequences in the future.
“All those people will be charged once we take power in 2027,” he stated.
Gachagua further issued a warning to police commanders, adding, “We are telling all OCSs and OCPDs who allow attacks on innocent Kenyans that we will hold them to account when we take power.”
The Witima ACK Church attack in Nyeri County has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct and accountability in Kenya. The incident has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who allege that security forces used excessive force during a church service. This situation reflects ongoing tensions between law enforcement and civil society, particularly in the context of political transitions and public safety concerns. The recent transfers of implicated officers highlight the complexities of addressing police misconduct in a politically charged environment.
