Members of the United Opposition, led by the Democracy for the Citizens party leader and former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, issued an ultimatum of two weeks to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to arrest security officers believed to be behind the Othaya church attack incident that happened on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Speaking in a media briefing after a session with the IG in Nairobi on Friday, January 30, 2026, the opposition said the incident called for investigations and the arrest of the perpetrators. The opposition indicated that, should the demands not be met by February 16, 2026, then they will be forced to call for mass action.

With the lapse of the ultimatum issued by the United Opposition, all eyes are set on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja’s feedback on the investigations, and the United Opposition teams’ next course of action should their demands not be addressed as requested.

The former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has consistently called for an expeditious prosecution of suspects involved in the January 25, 2026, attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

Speaking during a church service in Zimmerman, Roysambu, Nairobi, on Sunday, February 16, 2026, Gachagua confirmed that the United Opposition will head to the office of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, February 16, 2026, to inquire about the matter as they seek justice.

“We were there two weeks ago, and tomorrow at 10:00 am we will go back to ask him why those people have not been taken to court,” Gachagua noted.

Gachagua argued that the suspects involved, among them police officers, are known but have not been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.

He urged that the names be forwarded to put those involved behind bars, adding that attacks against places of worship should be met with harsh legal action.

“The investigation is over, and we know all the officers who attacked us in ACK Witima. We also know the Member of Parliament involved, but we see there is reluctance to forward the file to the ODPP,” Gachagua added.

Witima Church attack

During the Witima church attack, tear gas and live bullets were reportedly used, vehicles were destroyed, and congregants were injured. The opposition claimed intelligence points to a plan by a special police unit.

The opposition wrote a letter to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto, highlighting 23 separate incidents in which Gachagua, his family, supporters and members of the public were allegedly attacked.

The letter also detailed attacks in Limuru, Shamata, Nyeri, Meru, Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Murang’a, Narok, Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties, some involving tear gas, live ammunition and alleged assaults by police officers or police-backed groups.

The opposition expressed what they termed as grave concern over persistent violent attacks against Gachagua, saying that the incidents occurred in the presence of police officers and, in other instances, with alleged police facilitation.