Jubilee Deputy Party leader and 2027 presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has strongly condemned the use of tear gas on worshippers at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, during a service that was attended by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.

Taking to his official X account on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary described the incident as a grave violation of constitutional rights and called for those responsible to be held to account.

He insisted that no Kenyan should ever be subjected to violence or intimidation while attending a religious service.

“I strongly condemn the barbaric use of tear gas on peaceful worshippers at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team were worshipping. What should have been a moment of prayer was turned into fear, forcing men, women, children, and the elderly to flee the house of God. No Kenyan should ever face such treatment while exercising their faith,” Matiang’i stated.

Matiang’i calls for investigation

Matiang’i called for an independent investigation into the events at the Othaya church, demanding swift accountability for any individuals or agencies found to have authorised or carried out the action.

“This incident is a clear violation of the constitutional freedoms of worship, assembly, and movement. Those responsible must be independently investigated and held accountable without delay. Kenya must always choose dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for its people, not fear and force!” he wrote on X.

Gachagua’s church attack

Matiang’i’s statement comes hours after police and unidentified groups stormed Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, and disrupted the church service, forcing Gachagua and members of the clergy to flee the church compound through a fence for safety.

The disruption has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, many of whom have decried the growing politicisation of places of worship and the use of security forces in political disputes.

Jubilee Deputy Party leader (operations) Jeremiah Kioni, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando are some of the leaders that have also condemned the incident.