Chaos erupted at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was reportedly tear-gassed while attending a church service.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has alleged that Gachagua was effectively abducted by security operatives during the incident, intensifying concerns over the safety of political leaders in the country.
Gachagua took to social media to describe the ordeal, alleging that a government squad had targeted him and others inside the church.
“We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and my vehicles have been torched. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he wrote.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa corroborated the claim, adding that some congregants, including women and children, had been evacuated, but Gachagua remained trapped.
He said plain-clothed officers were conducting operations inside the church compound.
“This is a worrying development. Some of us have managed to evacuate, including women and children. About seven plain-clothed police officers are conducting the operation,” Karungo stated in a post on X.
This is not the first time Gachagua has faced such situations. He has repeatedly been at the centre of controversy after security agencies used tear gas to disperse gatherings where he was present.
“This is a worrying development. Some of us have managed to evacuate, including women and children. About seven plain-clothed police officers are conducting the operation,” Karungo stated in a post on X.
This is not the first time Gachagua has faced such situations. He has repeatedly been at the centre of controversy after security agencies used tear gas to disperse gatherings where he was present.
Incidents have occurred at political rallies, church services, and even funerals across multiple counties.
One of the earliest incidents took place in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service on November 28, 2024, when Gachagua and mourners were tear-gassed, forcing attendees to flee the solemn proceedings.
One of the earliest incidents took place in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service on November 28, 2024, when Gachagua and mourners were tear-gassed, forcing attendees to flee the solemn proceedings.
In July 2025, chaos erupted at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Murang’a County, when police blocked roads and used teargas to disperse congregants.
A similar event occurred on August 2, 2025, in Gilgil, Nakuru County, when a rally had to be abandoned after police fired tear gas at participants.
A similar event occurred on August 2, 2025, in Gilgil, Nakuru County, when a rally had to be abandoned after police fired tear gas at participants.
Even Narok Town witnessed disruptions during a November 2025 rally, forcing Gachagua and supporters to take alternate routes due to police intervention.
Church services have repeatedly been targeted. In November 2025, a thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, descended into panic after tear gas was deployed near the compound. In January 2026, AIPCA Church in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, faced a similar disruption.
Gachagua and his allies have condemned these actions, arguing that public gatherings, especially religious services and funerals, should never be treated as battlegrounds.
Church services have repeatedly been targeted. In November 2025, a thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, descended into panic after tear gas was deployed near the compound. In January 2026, AIPCA Church in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, faced a similar disruption.
Gachagua and his allies have condemned these actions, arguing that public gatherings, especially religious services and funerals, should never be treated as battlegrounds.
He accused the government of using security agencies to intimidate dissenting voices, which undermines constitutional freedoms, including the rights to worship, assemble, and mourn in peace.
Malala, speaking on the situation, termed the Othaya incident as alarming and called for urgent intervention to ensure the safety of Gachagua and the congregants.
“The actions witnessed at Wairima ACK Church are unacceptable. Abducting a former Deputy President during a church service is a threat not only to him but to the rule of law in Kenya,” Malala said.
The ongoing disruptions at public and religious gatherings have raised questions about the conduct of security agencies and the state of political tolerance in the country.
Malala, speaking on the situation, termed the Othaya incident as alarming and called for urgent intervention to ensure the safety of Gachagua and the congregants.
“The actions witnessed at Wairima ACK Church are unacceptable. Abducting a former Deputy President during a church service is a threat not only to him but to the rule of law in Kenya,” Malala said.
The ongoing disruptions at public and religious gatherings have raised questions about the conduct of security agencies and the state of political tolerance in the country.