Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused specific individuals and police officers of violently attacking worshippers at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. He spoke at an evening press conference following the disruption of a service he attended on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

According to Gachagua, tear gas filled the church compound, people were injured, vehicles were damaged, and one of his own cars was set on fire. He pointed to a group that had gathered earlier that day.

“Today in Witima, ACK Church, a gang of about 15 police officers, rogue officers under the command of two bodyguards, belonging to the guard of a Woman Rep,” Gachagua said on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

He added that the group had met at a home in Nyeri in the morning for breakfast and a briefing.

Gachagua claimed the group later moved to Witima armed with AK-47 rifles and tear gas canisters.

“They injured women and children and hurt many people. The police torched one of my vehicles, a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration KDK 002. They deflated the tyres of everyone who was in church and caused untold damage to vehicles. They beat people outside the church mercilessly,” he said.

He also identified the vehicles used in the attack. “The attackers came in a matatu. They were armed with AK-47s. We have collected some 7.62-millimetre cartridges, which they brought to kill. They were aiming for our blood,” Gachagua added.

Stage managing it

At the same time, he dismissed claims of stage-managing the attack for public sympathy.

“I’ve seen a lot of nonsense by government bloggers trying to say that we can stage-manage our own attack. Where can we get access to tear gas? Is it sold in a supermarket or in Gikomba? Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles? Where do we get access to government land cruisers? Where do we get access to police uniforms? We can’t. And Kenyans are not foolish,” the former deputy president stated.

The former deputy president condemned the government for its role in the attack.

“People are left in anguish, wondering why their own government can turn against the Church of Christ and its leaders,” he said.

Chaos erupts at church

Photos and videos from the scene showed chaos inside the church. Worshippers ran for cover as tear gas canisters landed among them. Gachagua was quickly escorted out of the church by his security team and local residents.

Several women and children needed medical attention after the tear gas and beatings. Parked cars suffered damage, and witnesses confirmed that one vehicle caught fire.

The incident has drawn condemnation from political leaders. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called it unacceptable and held police responsible for safety. Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i described the use of tear gas on peaceful worshippers as barbaric and demanded an independent probe.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said investigations into the events at Witima ACK Church are ongoing. Police have not yet commented on the specific names, phone numbers, vehicle registration plates, or claims of AK-47 use raised by Gachagua.

However, Gachagua, who managed to escape, accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of full knowledge about the group that attacked worshippers at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

This attack adds to earlier disruptions at events attended by Gachagua since leaving office. Supporters argue that these incidents are attempts to stop him from meeting the public. Critics question why church services have become conflict zones.