Murkomen Orders Police Probe After Alleged Attack on DP Gachagua in Othaya Church
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered an urgent police investigation into an incident that disrupted a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance. The directive follows claims by Gachagua that the chaos, which involved the use of teargas, was a targeted attack against him.
In his first public response after the incident, Murkomen said violence—especially in places of worship—was unacceptable and must be addressed decisively. He confirmed that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, had assured him that investigations were already underway.
“I have noted with great concern the incident at St Peter’s ACK Church, Witima, Othaya. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said in a statement shared on social media.
“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, regardless of their status or political affiliation.”
Murkomen also reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms, including freedom of worship and lawful assembly, urging residents of Othaya and surrounding areas to remain calm as investigations continue.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also condemned the incident, warning that politically motivated violence undermines democracy. He called for an impartial inquiry into what transpired at the church.
“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 violence from replacing democratic competition,” Kindiki said.
Following the Cabinet Secretary’s directive, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed it had launched investigations. In a statement released later the same day, police said preliminary findings indicated that a teargas canister was thrown into the church at around 11am, causing panic and disrupting the service.
“The National Police Service has taken note of a deeply regrettable incident at St Peter’s ACK Church, Witima, where several political leaders, including DCP leader Hon Rigathi Gachagua, were present,” the statement read.
Police added that several vehicles within the church compound were damaged during the commotion, but no injuries were reported.
The incident sparked widespread political reaction after Gachagua accused state agencies of orchestrating the disruption. He claimed the attack was intended to intimidate or harm him, allegations the government has not substantiated.
In the immediate aftermath, Gachagua’s allies raised alarm, suggesting he may have been abducted amid the chaos. Hours later, the former Deputy President addressed the claims, confirming he had safely left Othaya with the help of residents.
“I thank the people of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” Gachagua said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
He also urged supporters who had gathered in Othaya and nearby Kiawara to disperse peacefully after planned roadside engagements were cancelled.
The former Deputy President had been expected to attend several political meetings in the area later that day, all of which were called off following the incident.
As investigations continue, police say they are reviewing footage, witness statements and forensic evidence to establish who was responsible. Authorities have urged political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and allow due process to take its course.
The outcome of the probe is expected to shape the national conversation around political tolerance, security at public gatherings and the role of law enforcement during politically sensitive events.
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Murkomen Orders Police Probe After Alleged Attack on DP Gachagua in Othaya Church
