Kindiki Hits Back at Gachagua Over Claims Linking His Staff to Witima Church Attack
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly dismissed claims by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua alleging that a member of his security detail was involved in the violent disruption of a church service at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, Deputy President Kindiki said an image circulating on social media, which Gachagua claimed showed one of Kindiki’s bodyguards at the scene of the incident, did not depict anyone attached to his office.
“Mr Gachagua, the image you have circled is not of any officer or staff attached to me. I don’t know who that is,” Kindiki said in a post shared on his official social media platforms.
The Deputy President accused Gachagua and other opposition leaders of attempting to politically link him to the violence in a bid to damage his reputation. He described the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
“I know you are desperate to associate me in whatever way with the criminal act involving you yesterday. Unfortunately for you, this is not where to find me,” he added.
Kindiki, who previously served as Interior Cabinet Secretary, reiterated his long-standing opposition to political violence, stating that he does not condone the use of force in political competition regardless of the individuals or communities involved.
“I condemn and will continue to condemn the backward behaviour of using violence to transact politics,” he said. “Whether by notam, haftam, wantam or tutam people.”
He further stressed that his political philosophy is anchored on peaceful engagement, dialogue, and consensus-building rather than intimidation or coercion.
“I don’t use violence to do politics – and I have been in politics longer than you. Instead, I use logic, persuasion and consensus,” Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President also warned that continued political tensions and violent confrontations pose a serious risk to national stability. He called on security agencies to identify and hold accountable individuals who organise or sponsor violence before the situation escalates further.
His response came hours after Gachagua alleged that a staff member linked to the Office of the Deputy President was among those who attacked worshippers and fired live bullets during the church service in Othaya on Sunday, January 25.
In a brief social media post, the former Deputy President shared an image of a man he claimed was linked to Kindiki’s security team, insisting that the Deputy President could have been involved in planning or facilitating the attack.
The violence erupted as Gachagua attended the service alongside several opposition politicians. Witnesses said the incident began when individuals believed to be police officers fired tear gas canisters into the church compound, triggering panic among congregants.
Children, women, and elderly worshippers were forced to flee for safety as chaos broke out within the church premises. Outside the compound, the situation deteriorated further, with confrontations reported between rival groups.
During the unrest, one of Gachagua’s vehicles was set ablaze, while several others in his convoy were vandalised. Some vehicles were pelted with stones by individuals described by witnesses as goons operating near the church.
Police have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incident, although investigations are understood to be ongoing. The attack has drawn condemnation from religious leaders and civil society groups, who have urged politicians to keep places of worship free from political violence.
The incident has intensified political tensions, raising concerns about rising hostility as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 General Election.
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Kindiki Hits Back at Gachagua Over Claims Linking His Staff to Witima Church Attack
