- Former DP Rigathi Gachagua named the suspected leaders behind his attack during a worship service in Othaya
- Gachagua had lamented over targeted attacks at his places of worship, with the Nyeri incident adding to the tally
- A section of Kenyans expressed mixed feelings about Gachagua’s ongoing church attacks and a plea for prayers
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has five years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has claimed an attack at a Nyeri church he attended for Sunday, January 25, service.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua accused President William Ruto of targeting him at the Witima ACK Church, Othaya, with the aim of causing murder.
What happened at Othaya church?
He claimed that his vehicles were also torched and appealed to Kenyans to pray for their safety.
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“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 appealed.
A video taken inside the church captured many worshippers looking uncomfortable, while others covered themselves from the smoke.
Sounds of ‘shots’ were also heard from outside the building.
The intense smoke disrupted the lively service and caused a temporary halt to worship as some churchgoers scampered for safety.
However, amid the chaos, one woman collapsed near the altar, forcing a section of the faithful to rush her out for urgent care.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Gachagua has been attacked while attending churches.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader had previously been attacked while attending a church service in Kariobangi North, where he went for a thanksgiving following his victory in the November 27 by-elections.
In April 2025, armed goons disrupted a service at PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani and engaged the worshippers in unexpected violence.
In nearly all the instances of Gachagua’s attack after his historic impeachment, the opposition leader has been pointing fingers at the president.
How did Kenyans react to Gachagua’s continued attacks?
Prince Ken
“Did you ask them if William Ruto sent them?”
Wanjiku Muhia
“Very shameful. A church is a house of the most high Father. Kiambaa incident repeats itself.”
Sammy Ndegwa Gatonye
“Don’t tell me teargas in church again.”
Pauline Njeri
“Why in church… do you have to do it in church.. must you wait Gachagua in church? Do you know his home?…. We saw Uganda’s Bobi Wine locked in his own house. If you don’t want Gachagua to go around lock him in his house/homestead.”
Man Zimbo
“Something is not adding up… Why Gachagua everyday and every Sunday in the church and it happens only in the mountain region… Hii ni mchezo ya town similar to Koimburi cinema.. We now know.”
Source: Facebook
Was Rigathi Gachagua endorsed for presidency?
Meanwhile, the fierce and unapologetic leader was endorsed as the opposition’s 2027 flagbearer by his closest allies.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala claimed that among all the aspirants within the faction, Gachagua is the strongest and has the voice to challenge Ruto.
Speaking after the endorsement, Gachagua outlined his key reforms after the 2027 victory, including scrapping of SHA and Affordable Housing project.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
