I am now safe: Gachagua sends message to supporters after escaping church attack
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 25, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that he has arrived safely at his Wamunyoro residence after chaos disrupted a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
In a post on X, Gachagua confirmed his safe arrival and thanked God for what he described as mercy and protection. He also thanked residents of Othaya who helped his private security team evacuate him from what he termed a dangerous situation.
“I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” Gachagua wrote.
Message to supporters
He urged thousands of his supporters who had gathered in Othaya Town and Kiawara to return home peacefully. He said organisers had dismantled vehicles and sound systems at the venues after security concerns escalated.
“I request thousands of my supporters waiting for me in Othaya Town and Kiawara to peacefully go home as our vehicles have been disabled and sound systems dismantled.”
Gachagua warned that a killer squad, which he claimed was backed by local police, remained at the two locations. He said their intentions were unclear after what he described as a failed attempt to assassinate him inside a church. The police have not responded publicly to the claim.
“Please note that the killler squad backed by the local police are all over the two venues and we don’t know their intention after failing to assassinate me inside a church.”
The incident occurred during a church service at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya. Witnesses reported that police fired tear gas inside the church, causing panic among worshippers. Chaos followed as people scrambled for safety. Some witnesses claimed officers fired live bullets outside the church, while several vehicles were set ablaze.
Gachagua and several leaders were trapped inside the church for some time before security teams managed to evacuate them. During the commotion, a woman collapsed and required medical attention, according to witnesses.
Gachagua accuses state involvement
In an earlier message posted while still inside the church, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of sending a killer squad to disrupt the service. He claimed officers used live bullets and tear gas as vehicles burned outside. He appealed to Kenyans to pray for their safe exit from the church. State House has not issued a response to the claims.
After reaching safety, Gachagua thanked political leaders and Kenyans who condemned the incident. He singled out President Ruto in his remarks, saying,
“God is in control and his power surpasses that of William Ruto.”
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the incident, describing the use of police force against worshippers as unconstitutional. He said security agencies had a duty to protect all Kenyans, including those inside places of worship. Musyoka said the Inspector General of Police should take responsibility for the safety of civilians affected by the incident.
Gachagua has previously reported security threats at churches and public gatherings. In past incidents, he has accused state agencies of targeting him, claims the government has consistently denied.
His private security team, with help from residents, escorted him out of Othaya.