Murkomen directs IG Kanja to probe Gachagua church attack

By Newsflash Reporter

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch immediate investigations into the violent incident that targeted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Nyeri County.

Gachagua was reportedly teargassed on Sunday while attending a service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, sparking public outrage and sharp political reactions.

The incident disrupted the worship session and forced the former Deputy President to leave the venue abruptly under the protection of his private security team.

Condemns violence in place of worship

In a statement issued hours after the attack on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Murkomen strongly condemned the chaos, terming it unacceptable and a violation of democratic freedoms.

“I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.

The CS confirmed that he had spoken directly with Inspector-General Kanja, who assured him that investigations were already underway.

“I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, who has assured me that investigations are underway with the urgency this matter deserves and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he added.

Murkomen emphasized that the police must act impartially. “The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation.”

Gachagua claims assassination plot

Following the incident, Gachagua alleged that the chaos was part of a planned assassination attempt. He claimed that a “killer police squad” had been deployed by state operatives to eliminate him.

His security detail quickly evacuated him from the church compound as the situation escalated. Witnesses reported scenes of confusion as they scampered for safety.

Several high-end vehicles said to belong to Gachagua were torched by individuals described as goons.

Reports indicate the attackers were accompanied by police officers, raising further questions about the nature of the operation and the level of coordination involved.

Political tensions rise in Nyeri

The former Deputy President had been scheduled to address political rallies in Othaya and Kiawara later that day, events that were ultimately disrupted by the morning drama.

Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting civil liberties, including the right to assemble and worship freely.

“As a Government, we remain firmly committed to upholding the tenets of democracy, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship,” he said, while urging residents to remain calm as authorities handle the matter.