Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP), James Gakuya, has criticised the government and security agencies over the chaotic incident at Othaya church, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked, accusing police of negligence, diversion, and failing in their core duty to protect citizens.

In an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the MP questioned why authorities continue to delay investigations despite the availability of clear evidence. He argued that modern technology has removed any excuse for slow action by law enforcement.

“Nowadays, cameras are everywhere. People are using cell phones to take immediate clips. You don’t need to move engines to investigate,” the MP said.

He dismissed ongoing police investigations as deliberate delays, even though evidence is at their disposal to take action.

“You want to tell us you will take a month or two or three to investigate. This is what we call diversionary missions. You are using and misusing the police.”

The legislator expressed concern that the attack happened in broad daylight and close to a police station, yet officers failed to respond. According to him, the police station was only about 200 metres from the scene.

“All these bullets were being shot, and not a single police officer came. There was a police station just 200 meters from where this evil action was taken,” he said.

Govt failing Kenyans?

Gakuya, who is a staunch ally of Gachagua, questioned the safety of ordinary Kenyans if even high-profile leaders cannot be protected.

“My big question is, where are Kenyans? How safe is Kenya if a politician is not there to rescue or protect Kenyans?” he asked.

He went further to challenge the legitimacy of the government, warning that allowing armed criminals to operate freely undermines public confidence in the state.

“Are Kenyans under whose mercy? Are we allowing criminals, police purported to be good, to terrorise people in daylight?” he posed.

“If people can be terrorised as we have seen, and nothing happens, where are we as a nation?”

Police investigations

Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation into the incident even as leaders across the board continue to rebuke the chaotic scene.

The attack disrupted a service attended by several political figures, including Gachagua who continues to allege government plots against his life.

The Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) boss has claimed multiple attempts have been made to silence him since his ouster in October 2024.

The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m., with police reports indicating multiple vehicles were damaged within the church compound. No injuries were reported.

In a statement, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the incident with urgency.

“The nature of this incident is totally unacceptable and has no place in this country,” observed Kanja in a statement by Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

“Churches are sanctuaries and have nothing to do with political differences or violence of whatever form or shape. Those that shall be found to have perpetrated this callous disruption of the church service shall be dealt with firmly and swiftly as per the law,” he added.

Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the attack, ordering police to accelerate investigations.

“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Murkomen noted.