Police Fire Tear Gas at Former Deputy President During Church Service
Nyeri, 25 January 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced a dramatic attack during Sunday worship at Wairima ACK Church in Nyeri County on 24 January 2026. Tear gas canisters were lobbed into the congregation, causing worshippers to flee and children to faint whilst gunfire reportedly echoed outside.
Escalation from Political Charm Offensive
The church attack marks a dramatic escalation in tensions since President William Ruto’s recent charm offensive in Mount Kenya region. Just eight days earlier, on 17 January 2026, Ruto had addressed over 18,000 United Democratic Alliance grassroots leaders at Sagana State Lodge, pledging significant infrastructure investments to regain support in central Kenya following Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 [1]. The Sunday service disruption represents a stark contrast to those reconciliation efforts, highlighting the deepening political divisions in the region that contributed 87% of Ruto’s electoral victory in 2022 [1].
Attack Details and Immediate Response
The assault began midway through the Sunday service at Wairima ACK Church, when unidentified individuals stormed the compound and lobbed tear gas canisters inside the church building [2][3]. The attack lasted approximately 15 minutes, during which assailants fired live ammunition in the air whilst congregants choked and sought shelter [4]. Videos from the scene show worshippers rushing outside, with at least one young girl fainting from the tear gas exposure [3]. Gachagua’s main vehicle was torched during the incident, whilst other vehicles belonging to leaders in his entourage were vandalised [4]. The attackers made a second attempt to access the church compound before the situation was brought under control [4].
Political Accusations and State Response
Gachagua directly accused President Ruto of orchestrating the attack, stating: “William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive” [3][5]. Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa alleged that about seven plain-clothed police officers were conducting the operation, with some attendees, including women and children, managing to evacuate during the chaos [2]. Outside the church, individuals in military fatigues with covered faces were observed amidst clouds of smoke [5]. Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina accused Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, of scripting the attack, stating: “Anywhere you see Malala, know there will be a sympathy script. Shame on you for planning a dangerous script” [5].
Pattern of Disrupted Gatherings
The Othaya church incident continues a troubling pattern of disruptions targeting Gachagua’s public appearances across central Kenya. Since late 2024, police have repeatedly deployed tear gas at venues where the former deputy president was present or scheduled to appear [2][3]. Notable incidents include the disruption of a funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu County on 28 November 2024, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Murang’a County in July 2025, and a rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County on 2 August 2025 [2]. Most recently, on 12 January 2026, just twelve days before the Othaya attack, police deployed tear gas at AIPCA Church in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, disrupting worshippers [2][3]. These incidents have drawn criticism from political observers who question the targeting of religious venues and peaceful gatherings, potentially affecting refugee and local community safety in the volatile central Kenya region where political tensions continue to escalate.