Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vehemently denied claims by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that one of his bodyguards was involved in an attack at a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25. Kindiki stated the individual shown in a circulated image is unknown to him and not part of his staff, accusing Gachagua of political targeting.

• On Sunday, January 25, violence erupted at ACK Witima Church in Othaya during a service attended by Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition politicians.
• Kindiki stated that the individual identified by Gachagua is not known to him and is not part of his security detail or staff.
• The incident involved tear gas, a burning vehicle belonging to Gachagua, and other vandalized vehicles by "goons outside the premises."

A political storm has erupted in Kenya following a Sunday attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, sparking widespread condemnation from clergy and political leaders over repeated assaults and alleged police complicity.

• Over the past year, Gachagua has reportedly faced more than a dozen attacks, yet not a single arrest has led to court proceedings.
• The National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK) called the latest incident "illegal, unconstitutional, and an affront to the body of Jesus Christ," and demanded an unqualified apology from the Minister for Interior and the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.
• During the church disruption, worshipers fled as tear gas canisters were deployed, vehicles were vandalized, and church property was damaged under the alleged watch of police officers.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vehemently denied any involvement in the chaos that erupted at a Nyeri ACK church service on Sunday, which was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, refuting suggestions linking him to the violence.

• Kindiki stated that the image circulating on social media does not depict any officer or staff attached to him.
• He described attempts to associate him with the attack as a “desperate” effort to link him to criminal activity.
• Kindiki reiterated his longstanding stance against political violence and urged authorities to hold those responsible for organizing the violence accountable.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has vehemently condemned the teargassing of worshipers at St. Peter’s Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 26, 2026. The Commission asserts that the police action was brutal, unwarranted, and a flagrant violation of human rights.

• The incident occurred during a peaceful church service, with officers reportedly using teargas inside the church.
• KNCHR has demanded immediate investigations by the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
• Former Deputy President Gachagua claimed the incident was an assassination attempt, accusing President William Ruto of ordering the attack.