President William Ruto addressed the issue of political disruptions in churches, urging security forces to prevent places of worship from being used for political agendas. His remarks follow an incident where United Opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, demanded an investigation into police who allegedly disrupted a church service in Nyeri County.

• President Ruto spoke at PEFA All Nations Gospel Church in Gikomba, Kamukunji Constituency on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
• He called for all security forces, including the National Police Service, to ensure churches remain places of peace and are protected from political fights.
• Critics noted that President Ruto and his allies have also used pulpits for political promotion, citing a December incident in Gatundu North where a church service attended by the President descended into chaos.

The United Opposition in Kenya is set to return to Othaya, Nyeri County, for a church service and engagements on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This visit comes exactly one week after a violent church attack targeting former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua in the same town.

• The visit is a direct response to the previous Sunday's violence at ACK Witima Church, where worshippers were attacked and vehicles fired upon.
• Key opposition leaders attending include Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa.
• The itinerary includes a church service at ACK Gitugi in Mathioya Constituency, Murang’a County, followed by a meet-the-people engagement in Gitugi Town and a stop in Othaya Town.
• The opposition leaders met with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to seek security assurances for the tour.

Allies of President William Ruto have defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against demands from the United Opposition to sack its CEO, Marjan Hussein Marjan, and cut ties with Smartmatic. They urged the opposition to focus on the electorate instead of the electoral agency.

• The opposition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, is demanding the sacking of IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan and for the commission to end its relationship with Smartmatic.
• President Ruto's allies, including aide Farouk Kibet and UDA national treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, dismissed the opposition's concerns, advising them to “leave the IEBC alone.”
• The remarks were made during an economic empowerment forum in Makueni County where Sh5 million was raised for women entrepreneurs, with President Ruto contributing Sh2 million.