Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified his stance after the Akorino State House controversy, saying his remarks were meant to defend the church following his earlier criticism of members who attended a State House event on April 12, 2026.

Speaking during the Elevation Service of Reverend Maina wa OTC on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Gachagua said he had no issue with the Akorino church but opposed what he termed political misuse of religious institutions.

“Rigathi Gachagua has no problem na Kanisa ya Akorino. Mimi napenda Wakorino sana. This is our true church,” he said.

He, however, accused President Ruto of using the church to embarrass it and create confusion about its identity.

“What I have a problem with, ni William Ruto kutumia kanisa ya Akorino kutuaibisha,” Gachagua said. “Ile kuchukua watu si Akorino na kuwaweka kilemba akina Moses Kuria, I have a problem with that.”

He singled out political figures who have been seen in Akorino attire at State House events, questioning their authenticity.

“Hiyo ni kuaibisha kanisa yetu ya Wakristu. Si mliona Moses Kuria amevaa kilemba?” he asked the congregation. “These are fake Wakorinos.”

Gachagua argued that the State House gatherings involving members of the Akorino sect were not genuine religious engagements but politically arranged events.

“Sasa ile nilikashifu mimi, ni ile Wakorino wamekusanywa wamepelekwa pale State House wa uongo,” he said. “Wamechukua vitambaa ya white wamekatakata wanafunga.”

He insisted that he was speaking to defend what he called the “true and genuine Wakorino”.

“So mimi lazima nigetetea the true and genuine Wakorino. Na mimi niko na imani kabisa na kanisa ya Wakorino,” he added.

Churches under political pressure

The former deputy president also directed criticism at President Ruto, accusing him of disrespecting churches and religious institutions.

“Na mimi naomba William Ruto, hii maneno ya kuambisha kanisa zetu, hapa mlimani, we have a problem with that,” he said.

He further claimed that political figures had been used to mock or misrepresent church traditions.

“Juzi umeenda pale Gatundu North, umechukua wanaume umevalisha kitambaa ati ya Mother’s Council,” he said, adding that such actions amounted to embarrassment of religious communities.

Gachagua also widened his criticism to claim incidents involving church invasions by security officers, claiming that some Christian denominations had been targeted.

“Pale Mwiki PCEA wahuni na polisi walivamia kanisa la kristu. Pale Kariobangi PCEA, wahuni wakisindikizwa na polisi wamevamia kanisa. Pale ACK Witima church 12 police officers wamevamia wakristu,” he said.

“Wachana na kanisa zetu,” he added firmly.

He said he had no personal conflict with individuals but accused some leaders of betraying their communities for political gain.

“Sina shida na mtu yeyote, lakini niko na shida na wasaliti wa jamii yetu,” Gachagua said. “Ata wewe ukiwa ni mhubiri, msanii, mama, wewe ni msaliti.”

He concluded by warning against what he termed betrayal within communities, insisting that leaders should remain accountable to their people rather than political power.

“And we have a problem na wasaliti wote,” he said.