Gachagua Alleges ‘Killer Squad’ After Him Following Church Confrontation in Nyeri
The incident unfolded on Sunday morning at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua was attending a church service.
Chaos Erupts as Tear Gas Hits Church Service
Police officers reportedly lobbed tear gas into the church premises, causing a standoff and forcing worshippers, including Gachagua and his allies, to seek safety.
Eyewitness accounts, including from Citizen Digital, described tear gas filling the air, with vehicles targeted and unrest spreading in the compound. Churchgoers claimed to have recovered live bullets in the area.
Plain-clothed individuals believed to be security personnel fired live ammunition and deployed tear gas, disrupting the peaceful Sunday worship.
Gachagua Accuses Government of ‘Killer Squad’ Assassination Attempt
In a dramatic post on his X account, Gachagua alleged a targeted attack orchestrated by the state:
“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 tear gas and torched my vehicles,” he wrote.
He appealed to Kenyans for prayers amid claims that his convoy’s vehicles were set ablaze, framing the incident as part of a broader political witch-hunt against him and his supporters.
Reports of Injuries and Damage Still Emerging
Full details on injuries, the number of affected individuals, or the extent of property damage—including the torched vehicles—remain unconfirmed as of now. Worshippers experienced chaos, with tear gas affecting many inside the sacred space.
Pattern of Church Disruptions in Gachagua’s Engagements
This marks the second reported incident in recent weeks involving Gachagua at a church service. Two weeks earlier, a similar confrontation occurred outside the Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kiamworia, Gatundu South.
In that case, rival youth groups clashed with batons, leading police to deploy tear gas. The unrest disrupted traffic, vandalized a minibus (accused of transporting youths), and caused tear gas inhalation among congregants, including women and children, who described the scene as highly chaotic.
These recurring disruptions at places of worship have raised concerns about escalating political tensions and the safety of opposition figures during routine activities like attending church.
Also Read: Police Teargas Church Service Attended by Gachagua in Nyeri
Gachagua Alleges ‘Killer Squad’ After Him Following Church Confrontation in Nyeri