Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiangi has called out President Ruto for the recent attacks on opposition leaders during church services, stating that the United opposition leaders require no permission from the government to attend church or hold public engagements.

Speaking during a United Opposition public rally in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Matiangi emphasised that religious gatherings and planning for political activities are protected under the Constitution.

He urged Kenyans and leaders to respect the law and reject attempts to interfere in religious or political freedoms. He further defended Gachagua after he was attacked last week while attending a church service in Othaya.

“Watu waheshimu katiba ya Kenya. Hatuhitaji hidhini ya mtu kuenda kanisa, hatuhitaji idhini ya mtu kuenda kanisa kwa hivyo Rigathi Gachagua hahitaji idhini ya mtu yeyote kuenda kanisa au kuungana na watu wengine na kuongea kupanga mambo ya Kenya,” Fred Matiangi said during the rally.

We assured Kenyans and our supporters that the United Opposition leaders are working together in unity to develop better plans that will benefit citizens if elected to form the next government.

“Tutazidi kuungana na tutaendelea kupangia kenya serikali mpya ambayo inawajali kila mtu kuliko hawa wa saa hizi,” Matiangi stated.

He reassured supporters that these engagements are lawful and part of the democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Matiangi also highlighted the role of public gatherings in shaping Kenya’s political future, stressing unity among opposition leaders as central to the next election cycle.

Gachagua teargassed during church service in Othaya

Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya ACK, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by unknown people. The church service was forced to come to a standstill, and everyone began looking for a way out to get some fresh air.

Gachagua had earlier stated that the church was attacked, live bullets were fired at congregants, and his vehicles were torched.

“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he said.

Outside the church, there were clouds of smoke with unknown people covering their faces, wearing military fatigues.