Matiang’i Defends Church Gatherings, Says Opposition Needs No Permission to Worship or Meet

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has criticised what he termed as attempts to intimidate opposition leaders during church services, insisting that no Kenyan requires permission from the government to attend worship or hold public engagements.

Speaking during a United Opposition rally in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Matiang’i said religious gatherings and political meetings are protected under the Constitution and should not be subjected to interference or intimidation. 

“Watu waheshimu Katiba ya Kenya. Hatuhitaji hidhini ya mtu kuenda kanisa. Rigathi Gachagua hahitaji idhini ya mtu yeyote kuenda kanisa au kuungana na watu wengine kupanga mambo ya Kenya,” Matiang’i told supporters.

He urged leaders and citizens alike to respect constitutional freedoms, noting that places of worship should remain neutral spaces where Kenyans can gather without fear.

Matiang’i also addressed last week’s incident at an ACK church in Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he and congregants were attacked during a church service. 

According to Gachagua, unknown individuals disrupted the service using tear gas and allegedly fired live rounds, forcing worshippers to flee.

In a statement at the time, Gachagua claimed his vehicles were torched during the chaos and appealed to Kenyans to pray for their safety. 

Images circulating on social media showed smoke outside the church compound and individuals in military-style attire, though the circumstances surrounding the incident remain contested.

Without assigning blame, Matiang’i said the episode underscored the need to safeguard constitutional rights and ensure that religious spaces are not drawn into political conflict.

“We will continue to unite and plan for a government that cares for every Kenyan. These engagements are lawful and part of our democratic rights,” he added.

He further reassured supporters that opposition leaders are working together to develop alternative policy plans ahead of the next election cycle. 

According to him, public forums, including church visits and rallies, are essential for leaders to engage directly with citizens and understand their concerns.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country as various leaders intensify grassroots engagements ahead of 2027. 

Church services, funerals, and public meetings have increasingly become venues for political messaging, drawing both support and criticism from different quarters.

Matiang’i maintained that while political competition is expected in a democracy, it should not compromise fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

“Tutazidi kuungana na tutaendelea kupangia Kenya serikali mpya ambayo inawajali kila mtu,” he said.