Gachagua: 12 police officers in Witima Church attack to face justice next year
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 14, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that 12 police officers linked to the 2026 Witima ACK Church attack will be prosecuted next year, saying investigators have already compiled a file and identified those involved.
He made the remarks on Sunday, June 14, 2026, during Holy Mass at St Mary’s Kibabii Catholic Church in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County.
Gachagua told worshippers he was disturbed by what he described as growing hostility against the Church and citizens.
“Na mimi nikiwa hapa kanisani nina huzuni sana… tangu tuachane na William Ruto, sijui nini ilishika yeye. Amegeuka kanisa na Kristu,” he said.
He accused government-linked actors of organising violence against worshippers and civil gatherings.
“Ile tumeona jana ni aibu kubwa. Goons wamepangwa kwenda kuvamia… All Saints Cathedral wakifanya post-budget analysis,” he added.
Claims of police involvement in church violence
Gachagua claimed that the Witima ACK Church incident involved 12 police officers who used force against worshippers.
“Unakumbuka tulivamiwa pale kanisa Witima ACK Church by 12 police officers armed with grenades, bombs, and tear gas. Wakatuvamia kanisani,” he said.
He linked the operation to senior government figures, including interior officials, claiming the attack was coordinated.
According to him, investigations have already been completed and a file prepared.
“Tangu wakati huo uchunguzi ulifanywa na ukakamilika. Na hao maofisa wote wakajulikana na file ikakuwa tayari wapelekwe kotini washitakiwe,” he said.
“Akasema, ‘Washitakiwe.’ Uzuri, ofisa ya polisi, wale wamekasirika sana kwa sababu polisi wanasema hapana, kazi yao kuumiza wanaanchi; kazi ya polisi ni kulinda wanaanchi. Na wanalalamika sana wanaambiwa kusindikisha goons kuvamia kanisa. Polisi wamenitengenezea duplicate file ya hiyo uchunguzi na majina hiyo watu na ushahidi.”
Gachagua said the officers would face prosecution despite delays, insisting that accountability would come after the current administration leaves office.
“So those 12 police officers, I want to inform you today that criminal acts have no time limitation. Next year… tukiingia ndani nyote hao police officers… mutajibu mashitaka ya kuvamia kanisa la Kristu,” he said.
Claims of church attacks
The remarks come amid ongoing political disputes over alleged attacks on religious gatherings.
Earlier reports linked Gachagua to the Witima ACK Church incident in Othaya, Nyeri County, in January 2026, where tear gas and chaos disrupted a service he attended. Police later said investigations were ongoing and appealed for witnesses to assist with the case.
Separately, church leaders and politicians have condemned recent disruptions at religious and civic forums, including the All Saints Cathedral incident in Nairobi during a post-budget discussion meeting.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi also raised concerns about rising intimidation of churches during the service in Bungoma, warning that places of worship should not become targets of political conflict.
“The Church has always stood as the moral voice of society… no one should ever imagine that the Church can be subdued through intimidation or the use of force,” Muturi said.
His remarks followed condemnation from religious bodies, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which described the disruptions as a violation of sacred spaces and called for accountability.