Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has condemned the recent violence at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, where service was disrupted.
The DP said it as a criminal act that undermines democracy and violates the constitutional freedoms of assembly and worship.
In a statement on Sunday, DP Kindiki urged for an impartial, non-politicized investigation into the planners, executors, and enablers of the attack.
“Violence, whether organized by political opponents, by self for sympathy, or by whoever for whatever purpose, is a criminal act that undermines our democracy and violates the freedom of assembly and of worship guaranteed by law,” the DP said.
Kindiki stressed that successful prosecution is crucial to prevent such acts from replacing the democratic contest for leadership based on superior principles, ideas, and programmes for Kenya’s development.
“An impartial, non-politicized investigation of the planners, executors, and enablers of this aggression on a place of worship, followed by successful prosecution, is the only way to prevent this behaviour from replacing the democratic contest for leadership based on superior principles, ideas and programmes for taking Kenya forward,” he said.
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 tear gas and live bullets, left civilians and churchgoers trapped inside the place of worship, 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 took place 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 has spoken to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who assured him that investigations are underway and are being handled with urgency.
He said those responsible for the incident would be brought to justice. Murkomen directed the National Police Service to act without fear or favour, warning that both the perpetrators and their sponsors would face the full force of the law, regardless of their social standing or political affiliation.
“The police must move decisively and deal with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation,” he said.
The former deputy president has since thanked Kenyans and assured them that he is now safe after claims of abduction.
