One of the vehicles in Rigathi Gachagua’s covered by teargas on Sunday 25/1/2026. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua
By Newsflash Writer
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured Kenyans that he is safe following earlier reports suggesting he had gone missing after being teargassed at a church service in Othaya, Nyeri.
The claims arose after Gachagua was reportedly teargassed by police at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where he had attended a Sunday service.
Speculation about his whereabouts spread rapidly, after some of his allies claimed he was missing.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala, the party’s Organizing Secretary Peter Mbae, and former UDA nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba claimed that Gachagua had been taken away by a police unit, and they were unsure of his location.
“I would like to announce to Kenyans that there are unknown people who have taken our party leader and we do not know where they have taken him,” Malala said, highlighting fears of a potential abduction.
Speaks from Wamunyoro residence
Responding to the claims, Gachagua issued a statement thanking God and the residents of Othaya for assisting his private security in safely evacuating him from the church premises.
“I thank God for His mercy and kindness. I thank the residents of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” he said.
Read more:Police teargas church service attended by Gachagua in Othaya
The former DP appealed to his supporters, who were gathered in Othaya Town and Kiawara trading center awaiting his address, to return home peacefully. He also warned of ongoing threats, claiming that a “killer squad backed by the local police” was present at the venues and that their intentions were unknown after the failed attack inside the church.
“Please note that the killer squad backed by the local police are all over the two venues, and we don’t know their intention after failing to assassinate me inside a church,” Gachagua stated.
Gratitude
Gachagua expressed gratitude to all leaders and citizens who condemned the incident, framing the attack as a politically motivated act orchestrated by President William Ruto.
He emphasized his faith, saying God’s power surpasses that of any political adversary.
“My gratitude to all leaders and the people of Kenya for coming out to condemn this heinous act by Mr. William Ruto. God is in control, and His power surpasses that of William Ruto,” Gachagua added.
He had been scheduled to address his supporters in Othaya Town and Kiawara, but the meetings were put off due to the security incident.
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