Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen./HANDOUTInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen strongly condemned an incident of violence that occurred at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, in an event attended by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, describing it as unacceptable and deeply troubling.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Murkomen said violence has no place in society, noting that the incident was particularly disturbing because it took place in a place of worship.
"I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
The CS revealed that he has spoken to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who assured him that investigations are underway and are being handled with urgency.
He said those responsible for the incident would be brought to justice. Murkomen directed the National Police Service to act without fear or favour, warning that both the perpetrators and their sponsors would face the full force of the law, regardless of their social standing or political affiliation.
“The police must move decisively and deal with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democracy, emphasizing the protection of fundamental freedoms, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship.
Murkomen also urged residents of Othaya and surrounding areas to remain calm as security agencies continue with investigations and restore order.
Details surrounding the incident remain scant, with police yet to release an official report as investigations continue.
Several cars belonging to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were vandalized in the chaos.
Police lobbed teargas canisters at the scene, disrupting services. Gachagua said he was safe at his Wamunyoro residence and told his supporters to peacefully go home.
In a post on X, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa alleged that Gachagua was being held hostage at Witima ACK Church in Othaya.
"Some of us have managed to evacuate, including women and children. About seven plain-clothed police officers are conducting the operation," he wrote.
Gachagua has on several occasions found himself at the centre of controversy after security agencies fired teargas at public gatherings where he was in attendance, including church services, funerals and political rallies.
One of the earliest incidents occurred in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service on November 28, 2024.
Gachagua alleged that he and mourners were targeted with teargas, disrupting the solemn proceedings and forcing attendees to flee.
Though official confirmation of the use of tear gas at this event remains limited, the episode highlighted growing concerns about security interventions in politically sensitive gatherings.
In July 2025, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo, Murang’a County, ended in chaos when police blocked roads and used teargas to disperse congregants.
Gachagua’s allies, including local political leaders, were forced to flee the scene as the fumes engulfed worshippers, many of whom were elderly or children.
Later that year, on August 2, 2025, a rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was disrupted when police fired tear gas at participants.
Stones were thrown in the ensuing confusion, and the rally had to be abandoned amid the panic. Similar disruptions were reported at a Narok Town rally on November 24, 2025, where police blocked access to the event and used tear gas to prevent Gachagua from addressing residents, forcing him and supporters to take an alternate route.
Church services were not spared either. On November 2025, a Thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, descended into panic when tear gas was deployed near the compound.
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