Maanzo claims church attack was attempted assassination targeting opposition figures
By Faith Lagat, February 16, 2026Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has described the January 25, 2026, police disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, as an attempted assassination against opposition leaders, accusing the National Police Service of deliberate targeting and poor coordination.
Speaking on a local TV on Monday, February 16, 2026, Maanzo said the use of teargas and live ammunition at ACK Witima Church was unprovoked.
“There were also possible shootings and I think this is an attempted assassination to the opposition leaders,” he stated.
He criticised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for failing to meet a united opposition delegation earlier that day, noting that Kanja’s office was heavily guarded with armed officers carrying teargas canisters and rungus even before the team arrived.
Police coordination concerns raised
Maanzo further highlighted a lack of coordination within the police service, pointing out that the police spokesman appeared unaware of the status of investigations into the Nyeri incident.
“That shows a lot of lack of coordination between the police ranks and the office,” he said.
The opposition delegation, which included leaders from several parties, had scheduled a meeting with IG Kanja to demand accountability for the church attack and the arrest of officers involved. When they arrived at Vigilance House, neither Kanja nor his deputies, DIG Eliud Lagat or DIG Gilbert Masengeli, were present.
Opposition issues ultimatum
DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, addressing journalists outside the building, accused the police leadership of deliberately avoiding the meeting.
“We believe this is from orders from above, where they have been instructed not to engage us,” Wamalwa said. “This is an issue of accountability, so we are not going to relent. We have said we will be back here again on Friday, and when we come, we expect no other than IG Kanja to be here.”
The united opposition, led by figures including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has given Kanja until Friday, February 20, 2026, to convene the requested meeting. They have vowed to return weekly until their demands are met.
Political accusations
The January 25 incident at ACK Witima Church saw police fire teargas inside the sanctuary and allegedly shoot live rounds during a service attended by opposition leaders, in apparent violation of a court order prohibiting the use of force in places of worship.
The opposition had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum, expiring on February 16, for the arrest of officers involved, threatening mass action if ignored.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of directing the police to sabotage their political activities.
Gachagua has likened the government’s actions to those of African dictators, while Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka declared, “We will not be silenced.”