Gachagua links church attack to Eric Wamumbi and Betty Maina

By Newsflash Writer

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly named individuals he claims were behind the violent disruption of a church service he attended on Sunday at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

Speaking to journalists at his Wamunyoro residence on Sunday evening, hours after the incident, Gachagua alleged that the attack was orchestrated by two bodyguards attached to Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina.

He identified them as Peter Wainaina Kabuga and John Maina, also known as “Birash.” He further claimed they were accompanied by a man from Murang’a identified as Ambrose Manyeki Njeri, whom he described as a “goon.”

Alleged planning and execution

Gachagua claimed the three allegedly met on Sunday morning at the Kamunyaka home of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Betty Maina’s husband, for what he termed a planning session over breakfast.

According to him, the group later led about 15 “rogue” police officers in carrying out the attack. He alleged the assailants were armed with AK-47 rifles and used tear gas canisters to disperse worshippers and create panic.

“They injured women and children, and hurt many people. They had come to kill,” Gachagua said.

One of the vehicles in Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy covered by teargas on Sunday 25/1/2026. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua

He further alleged that police officers torched his vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser registration number KDK 002. He claimed other vehicles belonging to congregants were vandalized.

“They deflated the tyres of all the vehicles which were in the church and caused untold damage to them,” he stated.

Gachagua alleged that the attackers were transported in a Nissan matatu, registration number KDR 467X from Namu Shuttle. He claimed additional support came from police vehicles; GK vehicle, registration number: GKB 765X and another from Maragua Police Station in Murang’a County.

“These are the people who attacked the church. They had AK47 rifles,” he said, while displaying several spent 7.62mm cartridges allegedly recovered from the scene.

“They had come to kill. They were baying for our blood,” he added.

Claims of State involvement

The former Deputy President further alleged that after the attack, the group retreated to Wamumbi’s Kamunyaka residence where they reportedly had lunch and drinks.

He dismissed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directive ordering police investigations into the incident.

“The police cannot investigate themselves,” he said.

He went on to link the alleged attackers to previous violent incidents targeting him and his allies. He claimed the same network was involved in similar past attacks in Narok, Kagio, and an attack on Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu.

He also cited earlier incidents, including an alleged attack by gangs in Limuru in November 2024, Shamata in Nyandarua in December 2024, chaos at Mwiki Church in Nairobi in April 2025, and an attack on his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi in Kamukunji, Nyeri in February 2025.

“This is a government attack… and Murkomen is aware of it!” he claimed.

Gachagua questioned the absence of local law enforcement during the incident. “Where were Othaya local police, which is just 200 metres away from the church?” he asked.