Kabando launches scathing attack on Ruto after Gachagua’s Othaya church incident
By Mustafa Juma, January 25, 2026Former Mukurweini Member of Parliament (MP) Kabando wa Kabando has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto following chaos at a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was reportedly targeted.
In an emotionally charged statement shared via his official X account on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Kabando accused the President of turning a place of worship into a battleground, arguing that congregants at Witima ACK Church were subjected to intimidation for more than two hours due to political differences linked to Gachagua.
Vulnerable groups affected
Kabando claimed that the incident affected vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and clergy, describing the events as a violation of the sanctity of the church.
“William Ruto, for over 2 hours, you have terrorised Wìtima ACK, Othaya, and congregants – infants, cùcùs and gukas, PLWDs, and pastors – just to fight Rigathi Gachagua, our DCP Leader. ACK gave us Sanctuary 1992 when Moi fought Mothers of Political Prisoners. Today, 2026, you Ruto, have rained demons on us inside church,” Kabando stated.
Political vendetta against Gachagua
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.
“Our pains, our tears, our anger shan’t be in vain! We defeated mkoloni in these Nyeri villages. You’re devil incarnate, Mr. Ruto! You’re evil, Mr. Ruto! You’re desperate, Mr. Ruto! You hate us, Mr. Ruto! You’re cornered, Mr. Ruto! Whatever you do, we shall defeat you, Mr. Ruto! Mkora wewe,” he wrote on X.
Othaya church attack
Kabando’s remarks come hours after Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya ACK, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by unknown people.
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.