Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly condemned the attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Othaya, describing the incident as a dangerous violation of Kenya’s values and constitutional freedoms.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Natembeya weighed in on the incident that occurred while Gachagua was attending a worship service, adding his voice to growing calls for accountability and protection of places of worship from political violence.

The governor said the attack was not just directed at an individual leader but struck at the heart of national unity, faith, and the rule of law. He stressed that churches and other religious institutions must never be turned into arenas for intimidation or political confrontation, regardless of the political climate.

Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, Natembeya said the events in Othaya should concern all Kenyans, warning that normalising violence in sacred spaces risks eroding social cohesion and mutual respect.

“I strongly condemn the attack directed at the Former Deputy President, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, while he was attending a church service. Places of worship must remain sacred spaces of peace, unity, and respect, free from violence, intimidation, or political confrontation,” Natembeya wrote.

The Trans Nzoia governor went on to caution political actors and their supporters against resorting to aggression, arguing that Kenya’s democracy is anchored on dialogue, tolerance, and lawful engagement rather than force or threats.

He noted that political differences are inevitable in a democratic society, but how leaders and citizens manage those differences defines the country’s future. According to Natembeya, choosing violence over dialogue undermines the gains Kenya has made in democratic governance.

“Such actions are unacceptable and go against our shared values as a society. Differences should always be addressed through dialogue and lawful means, not aggression,” Natembeya wrote.

Natembeya also turned his attention to the role of security agencies, saying the seriousness of the incident demands a thorough and impartial response from authorities. He said Kenyans deserve clear answers on what happened, who was responsible, and how similar incidents will be prevented in the future.

The governor emphasised that accountability is key to restoring public confidence, especially at a time when political tensions are rising in different parts of the country.

I call upon the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable,” he concluded.

Gachagua teargassed

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya ACK, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

The former deputy president has since come out to condemn the act, pointing an accusing finger at the president and other leaders, including members of parliament from Mt Kenya, for being behind the attack.

He said 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.