Murkomen Orders Probe Into Othaya Church Incident After Gachagua Alleges Assassination Plot
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed a thorough investigation into the chaotic incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, following serious allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that it was a state-sponsored assassination attempt against him.
Murkomen’s Swift Response and Condemnation
In his initial public statement on social media shortly after the event, Murkomen expressed deep concern over the disruption at the church. He described violence in any form—especially within a place of worship—as completely unacceptable.
“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 stated. He further emphasized that police must act decisively and without bias, pursuing both perpetrators and sponsors regardless of their social status or political connections.
The CS also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to democratic principles, including the rights to lawful assembly and freedom of worship.
Deputy President Kindiki Joins in Condemning the Incident
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed similar sentiments, strongly denouncing the attack and stressing the need for an impartial probe. He warned that any violence—whether orchestrated or politically motivated—undermines democracy and violates fundamental Kenyan freedoms.
“An impartial, non-politicised 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,” Kindiki declared.
Details of the Church Incident
The disruption occurred during a Sunday service at St. Peter’s ACK Church (Witima) in Othaya, where Gachagua was among the attendees. Reports indicate that a teargas canister was lobbed into the building, causing panic as worshippers rushed for safety. Several vehicles in the church compound, including those linked to Gachagua, were reportedly damaged.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the initial police assessments.
Gachagua’s Allegations of Assassination Plot
Gachagua accused the government of deploying militia and police in a bid to eliminate him. He claimed the teargas attack halted the service and forced him to flee, describing it as a direct attempt on his life.
His allies initially raised alarms that he had gone missing amid the chaos, warning of serious repercussions if harm came to him. Gachagua later clarified his safety via a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming he had safely reached his Wamunyoro residence with help from local residents and his private security.
“I thank the residents of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” he stated.
Police Launch Investigations
Acting on Murkomen’s directives, the National Police Service (NPS), under Inspector General Douglas Kanja, confirmed that investigations had begun promptly.
In an official statement, the NPS condemned the incident as deeply regrettable and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on criminality. The service pledged to handle all forms of law-breaking firmly while safeguarding the security of all Kenyans.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has taken note of a deeply regrettable incident that took place at about 11am at St. Peters ACK Church, Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County where several political figures including DCP leader Hon. Rigathi Gachagua were in attendance,” the statement read in part.
Cancellation of Planned Engagements
Prior to the disruption, Gachagua had scheduled public rallies and roadside engagements in Othaya and Kiawara. These were cancelled in the aftermath, with Gachagua urging his supporters to return home peacefully and confirming no further activities would proceed that day.
The former Deputy President has since cancelled all planned appearances in the area following the incident. Authorities continue to urge calm as the probe unfolds.
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Murkomen Orders Probe Into Othaya Church Incident After Gachagua Alleges Assassination Plot