President Ruto Condemns Political Use of Church Pulpits After Gachagua Controversy
Nairobi, 1 February 2026
Kenya’s political landscape faces fresh tensions as President William Ruto criticises leaders exploiting religious platforms for political messaging, directly responding to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent church incident in Othaya that Gachagua termed an assassination plot whilst opposition leaders accused the government of intimidation tactics ahead of 2027 elections.
Church Incident Sparks National Debate
The controversy centres on events at a church in Othaya last Sunday, which have dominated political rallies across Mt Kenya region [1]. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua characterised the incident as an assassination plot, whilst opposition leaders have accused the ruling regime of spreading fear in advance of the 2027 elections [1]. President Ruto responded on 31 January 2026, criticising leaders who use church pulpits to advance political messaging [2]. The incident has created ripple effects across Kenya’s political landscape, with various leaders taking positions on the appropriate use of religious platforms for political discourse.
Political Tensions Escalate in Mt Kenya Region
The fallout from the Othaya church incident has intensified political divisions, particularly affecting the Mt Kenya region where both President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua have strong political bases [GPT]. Video content published on 31 January 2026 shows Gachagua responding to President Ruto following what he described as sending ‘goons to assassinate him’ [3]. MP Wandeto has also criticised President Ruto and police over what he termed an ‘attempted assassination’ at the church [4]. These developments underscore the growing rift between the president and his deputy, which has significant implications for Kenya’s political stability heading towards the 2027 elections.
Kenya Kwanza Leaders Distance Themselves from Gachagua
A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders have publicly criticised Deputy President Gachagua, accusing him of fuelling tribal and divisive politics [5]. Speaking in different counties, these leaders drummed up support for President William Ruto’s re-election and explicitly ruled out any working political arrangements with the former deputy president [5]. This coordinated response from ruling party leaders suggests a deliberate strategy to isolate Gachagua within the political establishment. The timing of these statements, coming immediately after the church controversy, indicates the incident has accelerated existing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Implications for Refugee Communities and Regional Stability
For refugee communities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps in Turkana County, these political developments carry particular significance given their potential impact on government stability and policy continuity [GPT]. Political tensions at the national level can affect resource allocation and policy decisions regarding refugee services and integration programmes [GPT]. The situation is further complicated by ongoing security challenges in the region, with four people shot dead in a bandit attack in Turkana County on 31 January 2026 [2]. Such incidents highlight the broader security concerns that affect both host communities and refugee populations in the area, making political stability at the national level crucial for maintaining effective governance and security provision in these vulnerable regions.