Worshippers attending a Sunday service at Witima Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), also known as St. Peter’s ACK in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, were thrown into chaos on January 25 after suspected plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas into the sanctuary.

The incident, targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, occurred around 11 a.m. Eyewitnesses described hundreds of faithful, including children and infants, choking from the teargas as people scrambled for safety.

Reports also indicated that armed assailants, allegedly firing AK-47s into the air, contributed to the panic.

During the chaos, one of Gachagua’s vehicles was torched, while others belonging to his allies were vandalised. Official police reports, however, indicated no injuries were recorded.

Political Allegations and Context

Following the attack, Gachagua alleged that the incident was an assassination attempt, accusing rogue police officers of orchestrating the assault and implicating President William Ruto without direct evidence.

He dismissed claims that the event was staged, questioning the logistics of acquiring tear gas and assault rifles.

Gachagua posted images of the chaos on X and held a news conference to address the allegations.

This incident forms part of a series of alleged targeting efforts since his ouster as deputy president in October 2024, including teargas and live fire at his convoy in Sagana on January 10 and disruption of his wife’s prayer meeting in Nyeri on January 18.

Police Response and Political Fallout

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an investigation into the church attack. Inspector General Douglas Kanja tasked the Internal Affairs Unit with investigating urgently, condemning the incident as “totally unacceptable” and stressing that churches must remain sanctuaries.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also denounced the violence, ordering decisive action against perpetrators and sponsors. President William Ruto has not publicly responded to Gachagua’s accusations.

Gachagua’s political situation remains complex: impeached and barred from holding office due to convictions in 2024, he maintains he will contest the presidency next year, citing ongoing appeals and a pending Supreme Court ruling.

His former partnership with Ruto on the 2022 ticket significantly influenced support in the Mount Kenya region, a critical political stronghold.