Religious Leaders and Activists Condemn Teargas Chaos at Nyeri Church Service Attended by Rigathi Gachagua

Religious leaders, human rights activists, and civil society organizations today strongly condemned the violent disruption of a Sunday church service at Witima ACK Church  in Othaya, Nyeri County, where police reportedly lobbed teargas into the sanctuary during a gathering attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters.

The incident on January 25, 2026, turned a peaceful worship session into scenes of panic, with congregants including women, children, and the elderly fleeing as teargas filled the church. Reports described worshippers choking, some fainting, and others climbing fences to escape.

Accounts also included vandalism of vehicles in Gachagua's entourage, damaged property such as public address systems, and claims of live bullets fired amid the chaos. Gachagua labeled it a state-sponsored assassination attempt by a "killer squad," alleging he and others were trapped inside before escaping, including with help from a church reverend who provided a robe for disguise in one version of events. He accused government-linked elements of orchestrating the attack amid lingering political fallout from his 2024 impeachment.

The National Police Service condemned the violence, launched an investigation, and dispatched officers to the scene, while Nyeri County Police Commander Kipchirchir Too oversaw the probe. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen described the disruption as "completely unacceptable" and vowed justice for those responsible, emphasizing that violence in places of worship would not be tolerated.

Speaking today (Monday) In Mombasa, Kheleff Khalifa, MUHIRI CEO a human rights and civic organization led condemnations from a coalition of church and mosque representatives. He described the event as part of a disturbing pattern of violence in sacred spaces, citing the 2007/2008 post-election violence where children and women died and subsequent incidents claiming over 1,000 lives, including more than 400 killed by police. "We elected the same people who were arraigned in court for these same actions," he said, highlighting the irony of impunity. Questioning how hooded individuals could act freely as police, he declared,

 "Losing a life or getting hurt in a church is a disgrace." Khalifa insisted suspects should be apprehended outside worship venues and called on the President to prevent recurrences, demanding police and government forces maintain at least 600 meters distance from churches.

Imam Alhameida stressed the inviolability of religious sites as havens of hope and safety, condemning exploitation for arrests or interventions including mysterious past incidents in mosques. He called the events inhuman and unfortunate, urging they never happen again.

Activist Salma Hemed spotlighted the impact on women and children , referencing unconfirmed reports of a child dying from teargas effects. She expressed profound disappointment over the vulnerability of pregnant women and others seeking spiritual refuge, demanding the government clarify its response.

Christine Kabuya condemned  police brutality , connecting it to other unchecked incidents like attacks on youths at a pool table. She emphasized the need for trust between society and security forces, noting legal means exist to handle suspects without violence, and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Inspector General of Police, and related offices to act decisively.

Wallid Sketty of Vocal Africa accused authorities of constitutional violations, declaring CS Murkomen and the IG had repeatedly failed to protect citizens and worship places. He called for underperforming officials to vacate office and warned that failure to condemn and address the Nyeri incident could lead to similar occurrences elsewhere, criticizing IPOA for letting Kenyans down.

Francis Auma, Muhuri's emergency response officer, criticized Parliament for prioritizing public relations over genuine oversight, despite taxpayers' expectations of rights protection. He demanded arrests of all involved.

The condemnations echo broader outrage from opposition figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, who slammed the attack and held security officials accountable, as well as other leaders including MPs and church bodies. The incident has amplified national debates on political violence, excessive force, impunity, and the protection of constitutional freedoms and sacred spaces in Kenya's increasingly polarized political climate. Investigations continue as calls for accountability grow louder.