Chaos at Othaya Church as Teargas Thrown During Service Attended by Rigathi Gachagua
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced a terrifying disruption during a Sunday service at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, when teargas was thrown into the place of worship. The incident sent congregants into panic, forcing many to rush outside for fresh air as smoke filled the building.
Videos circulating online captured the chaotic scenes: worshippers, including women and children, covering their mouths and noses while struggling to breathe. In one distressing clip, a young girl fainted amid the commotion, with fellow congregants quickly carrying her out to safety. The service came to an abrupt halt as the teargas took effect.
Reports of Gunfire Sounds and Live Ammunition Claims
Outside the church, sounds resembling gunfire echoed as teargas smoke billowed. Witnesses in footage claimed live ammunition was used, with one appealing for immediate intervention from Kenyans. The chaos also cut short media coverage, with a live broadcast ending suddenly as the situation escalated.
Gachagua Accuses State of Orchestrating Attack
Reacting swiftly, Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of masterminding the incident. He alleged that police and state-sponsored groups were behind the teargas deployment, and claimed his vehicles were vandalized during the mayhem.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua directly pointed fingers at President William Ruto, asserting there was an attempt on his life.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and teargas, and my vehicles have been torched. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he stated.
Pattern of Confrontations at Church Services and Rallies
This Othaya incident is the latest in a series of reported clashes involving Gachagua at religious and political events. Earlier in January 2026, his convoy faced roadblocks and alleged teargas use in Kirinyaga County while en route to a rally in Kegio. The day before, armed individuals reportedly tried to block his access to Nyeri town ahead of another gathering.
A similar disruption occurred in late November 2025 during a Thanksgiving service in Kariobangi North, where teargas was allegedly lobbed into the church. Police at the time cited intervention to prevent clashes between rival groups, a claim Gachagua rejected.
Unconfirmed Reports of Gachagua Going Missing Post-Incident
At the time of reporting, unconfirmed rumors circulated suggesting Gachagua had gone missing following the chaos in Othaya. Further details on his whereabouts and the full circumstances remain awaited as investigations continue into the security breach at the sacred venue.
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Chaos at Othaya Church as Teargas Thrown During Service Attended by Rigathi Gachagua