Rigathi Gachagua Links Kindiki’s Security Team to Nyeri Church Chaos
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directly implicated Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his security detail in the violent disruption of a church service in Nyeri County. In a strongly worded Facebook post, Gachagua claimed that an officer from Kindiki’s team played a central role in the attack, labeling Kindiki as “part and parcel” of the alleged conspiracy.
Gachagua shared a photo showing Kindiki with the officer seated behind him, captioning it:
“Bwana saprano, I hear you are calling for investigations. This is your officer who led the attack in Witima church. You are part and parcel of the conspiracy.”
The accusations have intensified political tensions following the Sunday, January 25, 2026, incident at Witima Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Othaya.
How the Chaos Unfolded at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri
The morning service turned chaotic when police officers and masked assailants reportedly lobbed tear gas canisters into the church compound. Witnesses claimed live ammunition was also fired, causing widespread panic among worshippers.
Women and children were particularly affected, with some fainting due to the tear gas fumes. In the mayhem:
- Gachagua’s Toyota Land Cruiser was set on fire.
- Several vehicles in his convoy were vandalized or had tires deflated.
Gachagua and some clergy members escaped through a back fence, sparking initial fears of abduction. Allies, including Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) official Cleophas Malala, quickly raised alarms about his safety.
Gachagua later held a press briefing at his Wamunyoro residence, confirming he was unharmed but describing the episode as a state-sponsored assassination attempt by a “killer squad.”
National Police Service Response to the Nyeri Church Incident
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed it is investigating the events. In an official statement, NPS noted:
“The Inspector General of the National Police Service, having been made aware of the incident, has directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to move in with speed and commence investigations with the deserved urgency.”
Political leaders and citizens have widely condemned the violence, stressing that places of worship must remain safe and sacrosanct.
Deputy President Kindiki Condemns Violence at Gachagua’s Church Service
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki publicly condemned the violence at the Othaya church service. He described any form of political or staged violence as unacceptable, noting it undermines freedom of assembly and freedom of worship.
Kindiki called for an impartial investigation into the organizers and enablers of the attack, insisting that those responsible be arrested and prosecuted. He emphasized that political violence — regardless of who orchestrates it — violates Kenyan law and threatens the democratic process.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with calls for accountability and protection of religious spaces amid rising political friction in the region.
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Rigathi Gachagua Links Kindiki’s Security Team to Nyeri Church Chaos