A shocking escalation of political tension in Kenya saw former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allege a state-sponsored assassination attempt following a violent confrontation at the Witima ACK Church (also identified as St. Peter’s ACK or Wairima ACK) in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

The incident unfolded around 11:00 AM as Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), attended a Sunday service. According to witnesses and reports from the scene, a group of approximately 15 armed men—some in masks and others in plain clothes—stormed the church premises. The attackers reportedly used a combination of live ammunition and tear gas, filling the sanctuary with smoke and forcing a terrified congregation of men, women, and children to scramble for safety. During the chaos, one of Gachagua’s vehicles was torched, while others belonging to his allies were vandalized, and armed assailants were seen firing AK-47 rifles into the air.

Gachagua, who was whisked away by his private security team through a nearby thicket and forested terrain to evade the attackers, issued a desperate plea on social media during the height of the chaos. He directly accused President William Ruto of sending a 'killer squad' to attack them inside Witima ACK church, stating they were 'marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas,' and that his vehicles were torched. He asked Kenyans to pray for their survival.

The former Deputy President, who was ousted from office in 2024, has directly accused President William Ruto of orchestrating the raid. In a subsequent news conference held at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua dismissed claims that the event was stage-managed, questioning how a civilian group could gain access to AK-47 assault rifles and police-grade tear gas. Further supporting these allegations, a whistleblower, purportedly a police officer involved in the operation, claimed the mission was planned in Nairobi with orders to 'injure' the DCP leader, while local police were allegedly instructed not to intervene.

The violence left behind a trail of destruction, including the torching and vandalism of vehicles in Gachagua’s convoy. Political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Speaker Justin Muturi, have strongly condemned the attack, calling it a 'grave violation of the Constitution' and a desecration of a sacred place of worship.

This confrontation marks a significant turning point as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, highlighting the deepening rift between the current administration and its former second-in-command, and raising serious concerns about political stability and security.