MP Adan Keynan calls for arrests following Gachagua’s church attack
By Mustafa Juma, February 2, 2026Eldas Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Keynan has condemned the attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at Witima ACK church in Othaya, Nyeri County, calling for swift investigations and the arrest of all those responsible, regardless of their political status or affiliation.
Speaking on Monday, February 2, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, Keynan described the attack as unacceptable and a violation of the sanctity of places of worship, stressing that violence has no place in modern Kenya.
While calling for accountability, the MP emphasised that criminal responsibility should be treated as an individual matter, warning against collective punishment or politicisation of the incident.
“I am a believer in the sanctity of all religious facilities, and that must be respected, whether it’s a mosque or a church. I am also a believer in adherence to the rule of law. Equally, I must accept that criminal responsibility is individual,” Keynan said.
Disturbing incident
Keynan said he was personally disturbed after watching footage of the incident, noting that such acts undermine national cohesion and the values of tolerance enshrined in the Constitution.
He further called for the arrest of all those involved, regardless of their status in society and political affiliation.
“There was an incident, and personally, when I watched what happened, I was touched, and we must not accept this to happen anywhere in Kenya. There was an attack; we have all condemned it, and it should not happen in modern Kenya,” he said.
“Let it be investigated, and those responsible for that church attack on Gachagua, regardless of their status and political affiliation, must be brought to book and face the rule of law.”
Opposition’s ultimatum
Members of the United Opposition had given the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, an ultimatum of two weeks to arrest security officers believed to be behind the Othaya church attack incident.
The opposition had indicated that should their demand not be met by the IG by February 16, 2026, then they will be forced to call for mass action.
Speaking in a media briefing after a session with the IG in Nairobi on Friday, January 30, 2026, the opposition said that the incident that happened on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at a church in Othaya was not a usual incident.
However, there are no arrests that have so far been made.