All Police Officers Involved in Witima Attack Transferred, Gachagua Says

All Police Officers Involved in Witima Attack Transferred, Gachagua Says

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that police officers linked to the controversial incident at Witima ACK Church have been transferred rather than prosecuted, a move that is likely to intensify debate over accountability within the security sector.

Speaking during a media engagement, Gachagua alleged that administrative redeployment was chosen as the immediate response to the incident, which occurred during a church service and drew widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society groups.

“In the Witima case, we asked for the officers not to be charged but to be transferred,” Gachagua said, suggesting the action was deliberate rather than procedural.

Reshuffle Linked to Security Changes

The remarks come amid a broader reorganization within the National Police Service that has seen senior officers reassigned to new regions. Authorities have described the changes as routine transfers intended to improve operational efficiency across the country.

One of the most notable moves involved George Seda, formerly the Regional Police Commander in Nairobi, who was reassigned to the Western region. Officials characterized the redeployment as a normal rotation of leadership.

Gachagua, however, disputed that explanation, linking the transfer directly to the Witima incident.

“Regional commander Seda, who gave guns and vehicles, has been transferred… The other 12 officers have been given transfers here and there,” he alleged, without providing supporting evidence.

Controversial Church Incident

The events at the Anglican church in Othaya have remained politically sensitive, with critics accusing security agencies of using excessive force against worshippers. Details of what triggered the confrontation remain contested, with official investigations yet to produce a definitive public report.

Opposition leaders have maintained that the incident represents a troubling pattern of heavy-handed policing during politically charged gatherings. Government officials have largely refrained from commenting in detail, citing ongoing reviews.

Legal Action Planned by Opposition

In February, the United Opposition announced plans to initiate private prosecutions against 12 police officers and two Members of Parliament allegedly connected to the incident. The move signaled growing frustration over what critics describe as slow progress in official investigations.

Gachagua’s latest statements suggest that, at least for now, disciplinary transfers have taken precedence over criminal proceedings.

Warning of Future Prosecutions

Despite acknowledging the transfers, the former deputy president indicated that legal consequences could still follow, particularly if political power shifts in future elections.

“All those people will be charged once we take power in 2027,” he declared, framing the issue as part of a broader political contest.

He also issued a caution to police commanders nationwide, warning that officers who fail to protect civilians could face repercussions.

“We are telling all OCSs and OCPDs who allow attacks on innocent Kenyans that we will hold them to account when we take power,” Gachagua said.

Debate Over Accountability

Security experts note that transfers are a common administrative tool within policing institutions, often used to manage personnel or defuse tensions. However, critics argue that redeployment without transparent investigations can undermine public trust and create perceptions of impunity.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for independent inquiries into incidents involving alleged excessive force, particularly when they occur in sensitive settings such as places of worship.

Awaiting Official Clarification

As of the latest reports, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and police headquarters have not issued detailed statements confirming whether the transfers were linked to the Witima incident or were part of routine reshuffles.

For residents of Nyeri County and the wider public, the lack of clarity has fueled ongoing speculation and concern.

The episode underscores the complex intersection of security operations, political rivalry, and demands for accountability in Kenya’s evolving democratic landscape—an issue likely to remain prominent as the country moves toward the next electoral cycle.

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All Police Officers Involved in Witima Attack Transferred, Gachagua Says