NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 – Opposition leaders have threatened to launch nationwide demonstrations if police officers allegedly involved in a violent attack at ACK St. Peter’s Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, are not arrested and charged.
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua said the opposition delivered a stern message to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding swift action against the officers accused of targeting worshippers during the Sunday service on January 25.
Speaking at a public participation exercise at Wakulima Market, Gachagua was joined by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
“We have told the Inspector General that those police officers should be arrested and taken to court. If no action is taken by February 16, we will call for demonstrations across Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He described the incident as more than a breach of public order, alleging it was an assassination attempt against him. Gachagua claimed a covert police unit, dubbed “Police Sierra”, was sent from Nairobi to target him during the church service, where tear gas was reportedly lobbed and vehicles, including his own, vandalized.
“These police officers have betrayed Kenyans. Instead of protecting the public, they are harming the public,” Gachagua asserted.
Musyoka warned the National Police Service against intimidating or harming opposition leaders, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated.
“The protests will span from Mandera to Kisumu. Kenyans will not be the same again if these rogue officers continue attacking us,” Musyoka said.
Gachagua further threatened that the demonstrations would demand not only the arrest of the alleged officers but also the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Kanja, and the Deputy Inspectors General of Police from office.
“We will have protests in Mombasa, Siaya, Machakos, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Busia, Kitui, and Nairobi. They killed Gen Z and destroyed health care and living standards for Kenyans,” Gachagua said, referring to the alleged violence.
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway but stated that no injuries were reported. Initial reports indicated that a tear gas canister was thrown into the church around 11:00 am, disrupting the service and damaging several vehicles in the compound. Authorities appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Gachagua, who was escorted to safety by his security team, claimed attackers set his car on fire and beat those outside the church. He said he has not reported the incident to authorities, alleging that the police were responsible for the attack.
While Gachagua accused President William Ruto of ordering the attack, no evidence has been presented. President Ruto has not publicly commented, but Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.
The opposition has vowed to escalate pressure if no accountability measures are taken, signaling a potential wave of nationwide demonstrations over the Othaya church attack.
