Nairobi, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has weighed in on the chaos that marred a Sunday church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Othaya, Nyeri County, on January 25, 2026.
In remarks shared on his official social media platforms on Monday, January 26, 2026, Sifuna cheekily referenced the dualised Kenol-Murang’a highway, suggesting it was now serving unexpected purposes.
“We dualized Kenol-Maua road so that state ghouls can quickly deliver teargas to Churches in Nyeri?” Sifuna quipped.
Development vs. National Values
Sifuna added that while infrastructure projects are important, they lose meaning if national values are eroded.
“I will keep saying ‘development’ will not make any sense once our national values are abandoned. Roads are nice, but I will choose freedom and democracy any day,” he said.
What Happened at Witima ACK Church
Chaos erupted at Witima ACK Church, where Gachagua and his entourage of politicians allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) had gone to worship. Police lobbed teargas inside the church, forcing congregants to flee.
Gachagua later blamed President William Ruto for the incident, alleging a plot to kill him. He addressed a press conference, citing similar past incidents and claiming repeated attempts on his life, which he said he survived due to the protection of the public and his security detail.
Widespread Condemnation
The Nyeri church chaos has drawn widespread condemnation. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the incident as unacceptable, especially in a place of worship.
“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, who has assured me that investigations are underway with the urgency this matter deserves and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Murkomen stated.
He emphasized that police must act decisively against sponsors and perpetrators of violence, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) also condemned the incident, demanding an apology from CS Murkomen and Inspector General Kanja for the desecration of the church.
Conclusion
The Witima ACK church chaos has reignited debate over political conduct, state accountability, and respect for places of worship. While Senator Sifuna used humor to highlight the irony of infrastructure being linked to violence, leaders and religious institutions continue to call for justice and the protection of democratic values.
