A Sunday church service in central Kenya descended into chaos after security forces fired tear gas into a packed sanctuary where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was worshipping, sparking panic among congregants and triggering fresh accusations of political persecution against the government.
The incident unfolded at Wairima Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Gachagua was attending a morning service as an invited guest. Witnesses said the disruption occurred midway through prayers, forcing worshippers—including women and children—to flee the building as choking fumes spread through the church.
Video footage published by Kenyans.co.ke showed scenes of confusion as congregants rushed outside, some coughing and covering their faces, while others knelt in prayer amid the turmoil. In one clip, a young girl appeared to collapse and was carried out by members of the congregation as cries rang out. The service was halted as church leaders attempted to calm worshippers and assess the situation.
Other videos captured thick plumes of tear gas smoke drifting around the church compound, accompanied by loud bangs that several witnesses described as resembling gunfire. In one recording, a voice can be heard alleging that live ammunition was being used and calling on Kenyans to intervene, claims that heightened public alarm but could not be independently verified.
The disruption also cut short live media coverage of the service, with at least one broadcast ending abruptly as the tear gas took effect.
Gachagua, who was escorted from the church during the incident, accused the state of orchestrating the attack. In a statement circulated shortly afterward, he alleged that police officers and state-backed groups were responsible, claiming that live bullets were fired and that vehicles in his convoy were vandalised.
In a sharply worded message directed at President William Ruto, Gachagua said the operation was an attempt on his life.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK Church, Othaya,” Gachagua said. “We are trapped in church, under attack with live bullets and tear gas, and my vehicles have been torched. We ask Kenyans to pray for us so that we may come out alive.”
Government officials did not immediately respond to the accusations, and police had not issued a formal statement explaining the operation by the time of publication. The claims regarding live ammunition and arson had not been confirmed by independent authorities.
The Othaya incident is the latest flashpoint in a series of confrontations involving the former deputy president since his political fallout with President Ruto. Once a close ally, Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of the administration, drawing large crowds at church appearances and political gatherings across central Kenya.
Earlier this month, Gachagua said his convoy was blocked by police in Kirinyaga County as he traveled to a rally in Kegio. Supporters were dispersed after officers reportedly sealed off roads and deployed tear gas, though Gachagua later proceeded with the event. A day before that, on January 8, armed individuals were said to have attempted to prevent him from entering Nyeri town ahead of another political meeting.
A similar disruption was reported in late November 2025 during a Thanksgiving service in Kariobangi North, Nairobi. On that occasion, police acknowledged using tear gas but said they were responding to clashes between rival groups—one backing Gachagua and another opposing him. Gachagua later rejected that explanation, insisting the intervention was politically motivated.
Sunday’s events have reignited debate over the use of security forces in politically sensitive settings, particularly houses of worship, which in Kenya often double as platforms for political messaging. Churches have historically played a central role in the country’s civic life, and security interventions during services are rare and deeply controversial.
Human rights advocates and legal analysts say the allegations—if substantiated—would raise serious constitutional questions. Kenya’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and assembly, while also placing strict limits on the use of force by security agencies. The use of tear gas in enclosed spaces, especially where children are present, has previously drawn condemnation from medical professionals and rights groups due to the risk of injury.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the incident underscores the deepening political rift within the ruling establishment. Analysts note that confrontations involving Gachagua appear to be escalating in frequency and intensity, suggesting a hardening stance by authorities as political competition intensifies ahead of future electoral cycles.
At the same time, the lack of official clarification has fueled speculation and anxiety among Gachagua’s supporters. By late Sunday, unverified reports circulated on social media claiming that the former deputy president could not be immediately reached following the chaos in Othaya. His allies said they were attempting to confirm his whereabouts, though no formal statement on his status had been issued.
For residents of Othaya, the disruption left lingering shock. Several congregants interviewed in local media described the scene as “terrifying,” saying they had never witnessed security forces deploy tear gas during a church service. Some parents said their children remained distressed hours after the incident.
The Anglican Church leadership had not issued an official response by Sunday evening, though clergy members at the service urged calm and called for prayer in the aftermath.
As investigations—or official explanations—remain absent, Sunday’s church disruption is likely to deepen political tensions and sharpen scrutiny of how state power is exercised in Kenya’s increasingly charged political environment. Whether authorities address the allegations directly may determine whether the incident becomes another unresolved chapter or a turning point in the country’s political discourse.
Kenyans.co.ke
