- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua faced several allegedly government-orchestrated attacks since 2024
- In Nyeri county, goons armed with AK-47 rifle violently disrupted a church service attended by the former DP
- TUKO.co.ke looked at the several incidents where Gachagua faced political violence in church since he was impeached as DP
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi—Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has faced numerous politically charged incidents ever since he was impeached by the Senate in October 2024.
Source: Facebook
In all the incidents, the former DP accused President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government of being behind his troubles.
Whom did Gachagua blame for Nyeri church attack?
The attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri county on Sunday, January 25, which left congregants terrified and traumatised, was the latest in a series of attacks that have raised fears of a calculated campaign of intimidation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Following the attack, Gachagua alleged that a gang of 15 rogue police officers, led by two bodyguards of a prominent Murang’a politician, gathered at her Nyeri home before proceeding to Witima church armed with AK-47s and tear gas.
He lashed out at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who said the police had launched investigations into the incident.
“Stop pretending that you are shocked that the church can be attacked. Where were the police from Othaya Police Post when we were attacked for 40 minutes? The station is only 200 metres away from where we were. This attack was organised by the government and they are now celebrating. There is nothing to investigate,” Gachagua said.
Source: Facebook
TUKO.co.ke has looked at the incidents where Gachagua faced political violence ever since he was removed from office.
1. Disruption of Dorcas Gachagua’s church event in Nyeru
On January 18, 2025, Gachagua’s spouse, Dorcas Rigathi, was forced to flee a prayer meeting in Nyeri County after armed youth disrupted the service.
The event was peaceful and seamless until people led by ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga made a grand entry with chants.
Dorcas had just delivered her summons when the intruders made their way in and started taking chairs reserved for Mr Gachagua and other guests and throwing them aside.
Gachagua accused the state of targeting him through Njenga, alleging Njenga leads a banned group. He criticised the Kenya Kwanza government in a tweet for disrespecting the church.
“Unleashing the leader of an outlawed criminal gang and his goons to disrupt peaceful prayers and desecrate the altar is the lowest any government can go no matter the level of desperation,” he said.
2. Gachagua blocked at ACK Cathedral in Nyeri
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, the former deputy president was temporarily blocked from leaving the ACK Cathedral in Nyeri town.
In videos that went viral, the crowd was seen gathering outside the church, confronting the residents in a heated exchange that prompted the intervention of police officers.
Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu claimed on social media that a mob was waiting outside to confront the former Deputy President.
3. Attacks at PCEA Mwiki church in Nairobi
On Sunday, April 6, armed goons stormed a church in Mwiki, Kasarani, forcing Gachagua’s security to step in and disperse them.
As DCP leader’s supporters clashed with goons, the former deputy accused the president of orchestrating the chaos to restrict his movement before the 2027 election.
Various leaders including Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria strongly condemned the incident.
Police later issued a statement, indicating they were investigating the incident, but no suspect was ever arrested over the chaos.
4. Confrontations at AIPCA church in Kigumo, Murang’a county
A planned political rally by allies of the DCP leader was disrupted on Sunday, July 27, 2025, after police lobbed teargas and blocked their procession in Murang’a County
Chaos erupted after a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo Constituency, where legislators allied to Gachagua, including Senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), had gathered for a meet-the-people tour.
At Ngonga Shopping Centre, their convoy encountered a police blockade, leading to a standoff. Police dispersed the crowd with teargas and live rounds fired into the air, reportedly damaging several vehicles.
5. Chaos at PCEA church in Kariobangi North
On Sunday, November 30, chaos erupted at a PCEA church in Kariobangi North Ward, where the former deputy president was attending a Thanksgiving service.
A celebration for DCP candidate David Wanyoike Warui’s victory in the November 27 ward by-elections was marred by a clash between rival groups outside the church, resulting in damaged vehicles from stone pelting.
The National Police Service launched investigations into the incident and later announced the arrest of seven suspects linked to the violent clashes at Kariobangi PCEA church.
However, the opposition still accused the government of hiring goons to cause violence targeting Gachagua.
How did Muriithi react to Witima ACK Church attack?
Meanwhile, Mt Kenya West Bishop Gerald Mwangi Muriithi expressed disappointment following the police attack on Witima ACK Church.
During a press release on January 26, Muriithi stated that the attack traumatised and disoriented church members, violating their right to worship and intimidating the clergy.
He observed that youth collaborating with the police perpetrated the attack, throwing stones and carrying crude weapons.
Muriithi demanded a swift and thorough investigation by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, with prosecution of all those responsible.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
