Jubilee Party Deputy Party leader Jeremiah Kioni has condemned an attack on worshippers at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, describing the incident as a direct assault on Kenya’s Constitution and the right of citizens to worship freely.

The incident, which occurred during a church service on Sunday, January 25, 2026, involved chaos and disruption that left congregants shaken and raised concerns about growing intolerance and political tension spilling into places of worship.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Kioni said the attack targeted innocent worshippers and violated the sanctity of the church. He warned that allowing violence in places of prayer risks eroding the country’s constitutional order and shared values.

In his statement, Kioni addressed the nature of the incident at Wairima ACK Church and the wider implications for the country.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the shameful and cowardly attack on worshippers at Wairima ACK Church, Othaya, an act that turned a place of prayer into a scene of tears, fear, and mayhem. Such violence is not only an assault on innocent Kenyans but a direct attack on our Constitution, our faith, and our shared humanity. There is absolutely no room for such lawlessness in our country,” he wrote.

Kioni’s comments also focused on the broader question of freedom of worship and association, regardless of political differences. He singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was associated with the incident, stressing that political identity should never be used to justify intimidation or violence.

Church is a sanctuary not a battlefield

In a separate part of his statement, Kioni emphasised constitutional rights and warned against normalising attacks in religious spaces.

“A church is a sanctuary, not a battlefield. No Kenyan, regardless of their political standing or personal beliefs, should ever be threatened, harassed, or attacked while exercising their fundamental freedoms,” the statement reads.

He further stressed that Gachagua should be allowed to associate, worship, and move without intimidation freely.

“Rigathi Gachagua, like every Kenyan, has the unquestionable right to associate, to worship, and to move freely without intimidation. These rights are not favours granted by mobs; they are guarantees enshrined in our Constitution,” he stated.

Kioni raised concerns that unchecked hostility could undermine social cohesion and discourage citizens from freely exercising their rights.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also condemned the attack, demanding a clear explanation from the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.

Nonetheless, Gachagua has informed his supporters that he managed to escape and safely arrived at his Wamunyoro residence.