Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has alleged there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service. Gachagua, who was sacked as deputy president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed a gang of rogue police officers had attacked the church in Othaya in the central county of Nyeri, using bullets and tear gas. Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally President William Ruto of ordering the attack. Ruto has not commented but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.
The police announced that an investigation had been initiated, affirming that no injuries had been reported. Witnesses indicated that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at approximately 11:00 local time, disrupting the service. Several vehicles in the church compound were reportedly damaged, and the police are appealing for further witnesses.
Gachagua, now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team. He later posted images of the incident on social media and held a news conference, countering claims from pro-government bloggers that the attack was staged. He questioned how such weapons could be obtained by ordinary citizens.
Interior Minister Murkomen stated that the police chief assured that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable, emphasizing that violence, especially in places of worship, is intolerable.
According to Kenya's constitution, Gachagua's conviction by the senate means he cannot hold public office again. He was found guilty on five of eleven charges, including inciting ethnic divisions. Despite this, Gachagua maintains that he will run for president next year as his appeal is ongoing, and the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on his impeachment. In the 2022 elections, Gachagua and Ruto were elected on a joint ticket, which was pivotal in securing Ruto's victory.
The police announced that an investigation had been initiated, affirming that no injuries had been reported. Witnesses indicated that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at approximately 11:00 local time, disrupting the service. Several vehicles in the church compound were reportedly damaged, and the police are appealing for further witnesses.
Gachagua, now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team. He later posted images of the incident on social media and held a news conference, countering claims from pro-government bloggers that the attack was staged. He questioned how such weapons could be obtained by ordinary citizens.
Interior Minister Murkomen stated that the police chief assured that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable, emphasizing that violence, especially in places of worship, is intolerable.
According to Kenya's constitution, Gachagua's conviction by the senate means he cannot hold public office again. He was found guilty on five of eleven charges, including inciting ethnic divisions. Despite this, Gachagua maintains that he will run for president next year as his appeal is ongoing, and the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on his impeachment. In the 2022 elections, Gachagua and Ruto were elected on a joint ticket, which was pivotal in securing Ruto's victory.
