Kenya’s former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that there was an attempt on his life after a church service in central Kenya was disrupted by violence involving tear gas and gunfire.
Speaking to media, Gachagua said the incident occurred on Sunday at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where he was attending a service. He claimed that armed individuals, whom he described as rogue police officers, stormed the church compound, fired shots, and released tear gas, forcing worshippers to flee.
Gachagua, who was impeached and removed from office in 2024, said he was escorted to safety by his security team. He later alleged that his vehicle was set on fire and that people gathered outside the church were beaten following his evacuation.
He previously accused President William Ruto of ordering the attack, although he has not provided evidence to support the claim. President Ruto has not commented publicly on the allegations. However, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura rejected Gachagua’s account, accusing him of staging the incident to gain political sympathy.
Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched, saying preliminary reports indicate that a tear gas canister was thrown inside the church at around 11:00 local time, disrupting the service. Officers said no injuries were reported, although several vehicles were damaged within the church compound. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the Mount Kenya region and now a prominent opposition figure, said he has not filed a formal complaint, arguing that the police themselves were responsible for the attack. “You cannot report the police to the police,” he said.
In response, Mwaura told media that the former deputy president had orchestrated the chaos himself. “These are staged attacks designed to whip up emotions and seek public sympathy,” he said.
Gachagua dismissed the accusation, questioning how a civilian could access tear gas and military grade weapons such as AK 47 rifles. He also shared images on social media showing people fleeing the church compound amid clouds of tear gas.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the police leadership had assured him that those responsible would be brought to justice. He condemned the incident, saying violence, particularly in places of worship, was unacceptable and called for a thorough investigation without regard to political affiliation or social status.
Under Kenya’s constitution, Gachagua’s impeachment by the senate bars him from holding public office. He was found guilty on five of 11 charges, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. However, he has appealed the ruling and insists he will contest the presidential election next year, arguing that the Supreme Court has yet to make a final determination.
Gachagua and Ruto were elected on a joint ticket in 2022, a partnership that helped secure significant support in the Mount Kenya region, Kenya’s largest voting bloc. Their political fallout has since reshaped the country’s opposition landscape.