Clerics condemn Othaya church chaos, term incident violation of worship sanctity

United Clergy Alliance National Chair Bishop Dr Francis Mulinge addressing journalists on the recent violence that occurred at Witima ACK Church, in Othaya, on January 28, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The United Clergy Alliance (UCA) has condemned the violence witnessed at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during a church service attended by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, where chaos later broke out.

The Alliance described the incident as an assault on the sanctity of worship and a violation of constitutional and spiritual order.

In its official media statement, UCA said the events had deeply saddened the Christian community and shaken the spiritual conscience of the nation after innocent worshippers were injured during the service.

The Clergy Alliance grounded its appeal in biblical and doctrinal framing, noting that the sanctuary is consecrated as a dwelling place for God and must be approached with reverence and holy conduct.

“The sanctity of the sanctuary refers to the profound holiness, purity, and sacredness of a space dedicated to God's presence. From biblical times- beginning with the Tabernacle and later the Temple-the sanctuary was consecrated as a dwelling place for God, demanding reverence, order, and holy conduct,” the statement read.

United Clergy Alliance secretary general Bishop Dr Joel Nzomo (C), national chair Bishop Dr Francis Mulinge (R) and APECK Kenya chair Bishop Barnabas Mpekethi (L) addressing journalists on the recent violence that occurred at Witima ACK Church, in Othaya, where DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance, at Cardinal Otunga Plaza on January 28, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The church, UCA added, functions as a modern “City of Refuge,” invoking scriptural references from Numbers 35 and Joshua 20 to underscore the idea of the church as a place ordained for protection, repentance, and restoration.

“Biblically, the Church represents the modern City of Refuge. In Scripture (Numbers 35; Joshua 20), Cities of Refuge were divinely established to protect individuals from harm, prevent unjust vengeance, and allow justice to prevail. Likewise, the Church today remains a sanctuary ordained by God-a place where sinners, the broken, and even the wicked can seek refuge, peace, repentance, and restoration.”

The Alliance further argued that the violence seen at Witima ACK constituted not only a spiritual transgression but also a constitutional breach, citing provisions of the 2010 Constitution that guarantee freedom of worship, belief, and conscience.

UCA said it was deeply disturbed by the use of force, including police deployment and the reported use of teargas within the church compound, terming it a grave violation of the sanctity of the sanctuary that instilled fear among worshippers.

In its appeal, UCA called on the Government to guarantee protection for all places of worship, and urged the National Police Service to cease conducting security operations inside religious compounds.

It further demanded unequivocal apologies for the sacrilege and transgressions witnessed on Sunday, and asked leaders and relevant stakeholders to safeguard the holiness of sacred spaces.

“It is alarming that worshippers in Kenya now fear the very government they entrusted with leadership and protection. This must not be allowed to continue.”

United Clergy Alliance secretary general Bishop Dr Joel Nzomo and national chair Bishop Dr Francis Mulinge during a press conference condemning the recent violence that occurred at Witima ACK Church, in Othaya, where DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance, at Cardinal Otunga Plaza on January 28, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

UCA insisted that the Church must remain a City of Refuge, a place of peace, healing, holiness, and reconciliation and cautioned that desecrating sacred spaces threatens religious freedom, national unity, and moral order.

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The statement was signed by United Clergy Alliance Secretary General Bishop Joel Nzomo,  the National chairman Francis Mulinge, and the Patron Archbishop Arthur Kitonga.