Gachagua reveals how his bodyguard disguised as priest helped him escape Othaya chaos
By Mustafa Juma, January 25, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has narrated a dramatic escape from the chaotic scenes that unfolded at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, revealing how quick thinking by his team and the church clergy saved lives.
Speaking during a press conference held at his Wamunyoro home after the incident, Gachagua praised the church’s reverend, clergy, leaders, and choir members for their critical role in helping his team evade harm.
“I want to thank the reverend at Witima ACK church, the clergy, the leaders, and the choir. They are the ones who saved my members. They gave them choir uniforms, and they were able to sneak out of the church,” Gachagua said.
He described how one of his bodyguards, who had been targeted, was given the reverend’s robes and a church uniform, allowing him to escort Gachagua while disguised as a priest.
According to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, the attackers refrained from shooting once they saw the bodyguard in priestly attire, believing him to be a member of the clergy.
“One of the reverends gave his robes and uniform to one of my bodyguards who had been targeted to be shot, and he was able to escort me looking like a priest. When they saw him, they did not shoot him, thinking he was a priest. I want to thank them. I want to thank the church,” he narrated.
The attack, which forced Gachagua and members of the clergy to flee through a fence, has sparked nationwide outrage.
Murkomen orders probe
The incident has since drawn the government’s attention, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordering an immediate probe.
In a statement on Facebook on Sunday, December 25, 2026, Murkomen said he had noted the incident with great concern, emphasising that violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable.
He added that he had spoken with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who assured him that investigations are underway with urgency and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Murkomen urged law enforcement to act without fear or favour and called on the public to remain calm while authorities address the matter. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship.
Gachagua dismisses Murkomen’s orders
Gachagua has, however, rejected calls by Murkomen for an investigation into the chaotic incident.
Gachagua questioned how Murkomen, or the police, could credibly investigate an attack in which, according to him, the police officers were part of the incident.
“I have heard Murkomen saying that the police are going to investigate the incident. How can Murkomen investigate himself?” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further claimed that the people who attacked him had been ferried from Murang’a in police vehicles.