Gachagua blames Ruto over teargas incident during church service
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 11, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using state security to intimidate him and his supporters after teargas was deployed during a church service in Kiambu County.
Gachagua made the claims on Sunday, January 11, 2026, while speaking at AIPCA Kiamuoria Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County. His remarks came after chaos was reported near the church, where worshippers said teargas affected women, children, and other congregants.
Addressing the congregation in Kikuyu and Swahili, Gachagua told those affected not to worry and apologised to women and children who were caught up in the incident. He said the use of teargas in churches had become a habit and directly blamed President Ruto.
“Msijali, poleni sana watoto na kina mama wale wameguzwa na teargas. Hii imekuwa ni tabia ya William Ruto kupiga watu kanisani,” Gachagua said.
He praised residents of Kiamuoria for standing their ground and refusing to be intimidated. He also thanked young people and Christians who turned up for the service despite the tension. Gachagua questioned why police were present and appeared to be protecting vehicles he claimed had come to disrupt the gathering.
“And we are surprised that the police are guarding them. The vehicles they came with are being protected by police,” he said.
Message to Ruto
Gachagua went on to issue a direct message to the president, saying intimidation would not change the political mood in the Mt Kenya region. He claimed that attempts to scare residents would only strengthen their resolve.
“William Ruto, tafadhali, even if you beat us, even if you send goons, your time here in the mountain is over. The more you intimidate these people, the more determined they are to send you home,” he added.
Mbae warns of disruption
The incident followed earlier warnings by Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) economic and planning adviser Peter Mbae, who claimed there were plans to disrupt Gachagua’s church attendance and public rallies in Gatundu South.
In a statement shared on social media earlier on Sunday, Mbae alleged that goons had been mobilised ahead of Gachagua’s visit. He said local youth were being paid to fight their own leaders while those funding the disruptions stayed away from the scene.
“Tunapiganishwa wenyewe kwa wenyewe Mt Kenya while the ones who give money are watching from a safe distance,” Mbae said. He called on residents to meet peacefully at AIPCA Gatundu.
Mbae also shared images and videos online showing people welding metal barriers on roads, which he claimed were meant to block Gachagua’s movement during his Mt Kenya tour.
Sunday’s events add to a series of confrontations involving the former Deputy President. In recent days, Gachagua faced attacks in Nyeri and Kagio, Kirinyaga County. In Kagio, his motorcade was blocked by rowdy youths, forcing him to wear a helmet for protection.
Gachagua has since criticised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of allowing politicians to take control of the National Police Service. Several opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, have condemned the violence and called for respect for constitutional rights and freedom of movement.