Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has strongly denied any involvement in the attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County. Wamumbi, speaking on Tuesday, January 27, distanced himself from the chaos that occurred on Sunday at Witima ACK Church.

• Eric Wamumbi is a church elder at AIPCEA and stated he cannot be involved in violence.
• He urged fellow politicians not to link him to unrest outside his jurisdiction.
• Wamumbi previously indicated he would record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, claiming evidence linking Gachagua's allies to church disruptions.

Churches in Kenya are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for political conflicts, highlighted by a recent teargas incident at a church in Nyeri County. This development comes as the role of the pulpit in President William Ruto's political rise is being re-evaluated amidst escalating tensions.

• Suspected plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas into Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County.
• The incident occurred on January 25, 2026.
• The article suggests that churches were instrumental in President William Ruto’s ascent to the presidency.

A recent incident saw suspected plain-clothes police officers deploy teargas into the Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County, on January 25, 2026, causing people to flee for safety. This event highlights the growing entanglement of churches in Kenya's political landscape, where even President William Ruto's rise to power was significantly influenced by the pulpit.

• Key Incident: Teargas deployment inside Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County.
• Date of Incident: January 25, 2026.
• Individuals Involved: Suspected plain-clothes police officers and churchgoers.
• Broader Context: Churches have become deeply involved in Kenyan politics, including playing a role in President William Ruto’s path to the presidency.