Gachagua, clergy flee through fence after chaotic church disruption
By Mustafa Juma, January 25, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several clergy were forced to flee through a fence on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after chaos erupted during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The incident occurred at Witima ACK Church, where worship was disrupted following the arrival of police officers and groups described by witnesses as goons, triggering panic among congregants.
The situation quickly escalated, forcing church leaders to hurriedly evacuate Gachagua and senior clergy to prevent further confrontation.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed moments of confusion as worshippers scattered, with Gachagua and church officials seen leaving the compound through a fence at the back of the church.
Gachagua’s Othaya church attack
Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya ACK, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by people believed to be police working together with goons.
The churchgoers were settled until teargas smoke suddenly sneaked into what was supposed to be a solemn ceremony, where the former DP was to address the congregants after the service.
Members began choking from the tear gas, forcing them to cover their mouths and eyes to reduce its impact. Some members were overwhelmed by the tear gas, with some fainting and first aid being administered to resuscitate them.
Gachagua has condemned the act, pointing an accusing finger at the President for being behind the attack.
He said that the church was attacked, live bullets were fired at congregants, and his vehicles were torched.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he said.
Outside the church, there were clouds of smoke with unknown people covering their faces, wearing military fatigues.
Leaders condemn the attack
Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando was among those who issued a blistering statement, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of targeting Gachagua and terrorising innocent worshippers, including children, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities.
He framed the Sunday chaos in Othaya as part of a wider political vendetta against Gachagua, accusing Ruto of desperation and intolerance toward dissenting voices within the Mt Kenya region.
Kabando further accused the President of hatred toward the people of Nyeri and vowed political resistance, invoking the region’s history of anti-colonial struggle.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also condemned the incident.
In a statement shared on X, Kalonzo described the events at the church as a serious violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.