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Opposition leader claims armed police attacked Sunday service
Rigathi Gachagua, ousted as Kenya's deputy president in 2024, told the BBC that rogue officers fired shots and released tear gas inside a church in Nyeri County, forcing him to flee for safety.
Incident timeline
At 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday, a tear-gas canister landed inside St Peters Anglican Church in Othaya, disrupting the service, according to police reports. Witnesses said several vehicles parked on the compound were damaged.
Gachagua, now a prominent critic of President William Ruto, stated that armed officers equipped with AK-47 rifles and tear gas stormed the building. His security detail escorted him out, but attackers later set his car ablaze and assaulted people gathered outside, he added.
Political fallout
Gachagua has repeatedly accused Ruto of orchestrating the attack, though he has not provided evidence. The president has not responded, but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence as "unacceptable," particularly in a place of worship.
Murkomen announced on X that the police chief had pledged to pursue the perpetrators "without fear or favour," regardless of their political ties or social standing.
Gachagua dismissed allegations from pro-government bloggers that the incident was staged, challenging them: "Where would we obtain tear gas? Where would we get AK-47 rifles?"
Legal and electoral implications
Under Kenya's constitution, Gachagua's 2024 Senate conviction bars him from holding public office again. He was found guilty of five charges, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath, but is appealing the ruling. The Supreme Court has yet to decide on his impeachment.
Despite the legal setback, Gachagua-popularly known as Riggy G-insists he will run for president in next year's election. He and Ruto were elected on a joint ticket in 2022, with Gachagua's influence in Mount Kenya, home to the Kikuyu ethnic group, playing a key role in their victory.
Investigation underway
Police confirmed an inquiry is ongoing but noted no injuries were reported. Authorities have called for witnesses to come forward with information.
Gachagua, however, said he has not filed a formal complaint, arguing, "It is the police who attacked us. You cannot report the police to the police."
