By Mark Simitia
A Sunday morning church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, descended into chaos on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after teargas canisters were lobbed into Witima ACK Church, disrupting worship and forcing congregants to flee in panic.
Among those present was former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who later claimed the incident was a deliberate attempt on his life.
Witnesses said teargas quickly filled the church, forcing worshippers — including women, children and the elderly — to rush outside in search of fresh air, bringing the service to an abrupt end.
Several vehicles parked within the church compound were reportedly damaged during the chaos, escalating tension in the area and attracting national attention.
In a series of social media posts shortly after the incident, Gachagua accused the government of orchestrating the disruption, alleging that a “killer squad” had been deployed to harm him and his supporters.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya,” Gachagua wrote as events unfolded.
He further claimed that both teargas and live bullets were used, and that his car was torched during the chaos, prompting him to appeal to Kenyans for prayers and calm. Police, however, did not immediately confirm claims that live ammunition was used or that the vehicle was set ablaze.
Gachagua later confirmed that he was safely evacuated to his Wamunyoro home with the help of local residents and security personnel. He urged his supporters who had gathered in and around the church to disperse peacefully to avoid further confrontation.
The incident was swiftly condemned by government and political leaders. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the disruption of the church service as unacceptable and said those responsible would face justice.
“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is totally unacceptable,” Murkomen said, adding that investigations were underway.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that it had launched investigations after a teargas canister was thrown into the church during the 11am service. Inspector General Douglas Kanja directed the Internal Affairs Unit to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Political leaders from across the divide also weighed in, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemning the violence and warning against the erosion of constitutional freedoms, including the right to worship without fear. Other leaders termed the use of force in a church setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democratic space and social cohesion.
“A church is a sacred space. The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible,” Kalonzo said.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as congregants fled the sanctuary, some covering their faces while others assisted the vulnerable to safety. Gachagua and members of the clergy were later seen escaping through a fence as panic gripped the church compound.
The Othaya incident has sparked renewed debate about rising political tensions, the role of security at public gatherings, and the increasing intersection of politics and religious spaces.
Gachagua has previously complained of being targeted at political and church events, claims that security agencies have neither fully confirmed nor denied.
As investigations continue, authorities have appealed for calm and public cooperation, even as the incident deepens national debate over political intolerance and the safety of public spaces.
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