Democracy for the Citizens Party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has threatened to lead nationwide protests if police officers allegedly involved in the attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya are not arrested before February 16.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, January 30, Gachagua pressed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, demanding immediate action against 12 officers he claims attempted to assassinate him during the church service on January 25.
“We spoke with the IG head on and told him the attack on Sunday was not an ordinary attack. It was an assassination attempt targeted at Gachagua planned by the government. A special squad of 12 officers was sent to attack us in church,” the former DP said.
Gachagua revealed he had submitted the names of officers he wants arrested to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and wants them disarmed and charged in court immediately.
“We have told the IG that before we come back on February 16, those members of the Unit need to be arrested, disarmed and taken to court. He must give that assurance,” he went on.
The former Deputy President claimed two vehicles were dispatched from Nairobi by the regional police commander specifically to ferry the officers involved in the January 25 incident.
Gachagua revealed that his DCP Party had given the Inspector General a February 16 deadline to take action against the officers or face mass demonstrations across the country.
He warned that the protests would target Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen, IG Kanja, and the two Deputy Inspectors General, demanding their removal from office until police reforms are implemented.
The Sunday attack saw armed individuals storm the church sanctuary, lobbing teargas canisters into the congregation and causing panic among women and children who fled in terror.
Assailants punctured tyres on Gachagua’s motorcade and torched his main vehicle, forcing his security team to escort him through the bushes before evacuating him on a motorcycle.
Gachagua has directly accused current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of orchestrating the violence, claiming a member of Kindiki’s security team led the attackers who used teargas and live bullets.
However, Kindiki dismissed the allegations as “primitive politics” and “bullying tactics,” suggesting Gachagua staged the incident to gain public sympathy while calling for an impartial investigation by police.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also rejected the assassination claims, alleging the attack was “stage-managed” by Gachagua himself to attract sympathy from Kenyans and international observers.
Religious bodies, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the United Clergy Alliance (UCA), have condemned what they termed the “desecration” of the place of worship.