A tense standoff unfolded at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County on Sunday morning after police lobbed teargas during a service attended by opposition leaders led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua’s Claims
In a post on his X account, Gachagua alleged that he and his allies were trapped inside the church, describing the incident as an “assassination attempt.” He further claimed that his vehicles had been torched and accused the government of orchestrating a political witch-hunt.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and torched my vehicles,” Gachagua wrote.
Witness Accounts
Journalists from Citizen Digital reported witnessing the unrest as teargas filled the church compound. Vehicles parked outside were also targeted, while worshippers claimed to have retrieved live bullets from the grounds.
Details on the extent of injuries or property damage remain unclear as investigations continue.
Pattern of Confrontations
This is not the first time Gachagua has faced violence during church visits. Just two weeks ago, a similar incident occurred outside the Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, where rival youth groups armed with batons clashed. Police deployed teargas to disperse the crowds, disrupting traffic along the Kiamworia-Gatundu South road.
The confrontation resulted in the vandalism of a minibus accused of ferrying youths to the scene. Several congregants suffered teargas inhalation as fumes spread inside the church, with worshippers describing the atmosphere as chaotic.
Political and Security Implications
The repeated targeting of opposition leaders during religious gatherings raises serious concerns about political tensions and security in Kenya. Churches, traditionally seen as sanctuaries of peace, have increasingly become flashpoints for political confrontation.
Observers warn that such incidents risk eroding public trust in institutions and inflaming divisions at a time when the country faces heightened political contestation.
Conclusion
As investigations into the Wairima ACK Church standoff continue, questions remain about accountability, security protocols, and the protection of worshippers. For many Kenyans, the incident underscores the need for political actors and security agencies to respect sacred spaces and safeguard democratic freedoms.
