Kalonzo Musyoka Condemns Gachagua Church Attack by Police in Othaya

Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the violent church attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, describing it as a shocking assault on unarmed civilians inside a place of worship and a direct threat to Kenya’s constitutional democracy.

The Wiper leader didn’t mince words in a statement released Sunday afternoon. He called the incident at the Anglican Church of Kenya facility in Nyeri County “a grave and unacceptable violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.”

According to reports reaching Nairobi, chaos erupted outside the church during what was supposed to be a routine Sunday service attended by Gachagua and several local leaders. Witnesses say police fired live bullets and tear gas canisters while vehicles were set ablaze nearby, leaving Gachagua, his aides, and ordinary congregants effectively trapped inside the building for hours.

“A church is a sacred and protected space,” Kalonzo wrote. “The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible.” He went further, holding the Inspector General of Police and senior security officials “fully accountable” for the safety of everyone inside, including Gachagua himself.

The former vice president has faced intense political heat since his dramatic impeachment in October 2024, and Sunday’s events have only deepened concerns about escalating tensions in the Mt Kenya region.

“No one wants to see this kind of scene in Kenya in 2026. Places of worship have always been considered neutral ground, even during the country’s most heated political seasons. People go there to pray, not to dodge bullets or choke on tear gas,” he said.

Yet that’s exactly what unfolded in Othaya, a quiet town best known as the hometown of the late President Mwai Kibaki. Local leaders who were with Gachagua say they had simply gathered for a normal service when things turned ugly outside. Some reports suggest a confrontation between rival political groups sparked the heavy-handed response, but details remain sketchy as journalists struggle to access the area.

Kalonzo’s swift reaction carries weight. As one of the country’s most experienced politicians and a key figure in the Azimio coalition, his voice often bridges divides. He’s been vocal about protecting democratic institutions since President William Ruto took office, and this statement fits that pattern. “No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship,” he stressed, adding that Kenya must stay “governed by law, not violence, fear, or impunity.”

Other leaders were quick to weigh in too. Several Mt Kenya MPs called for calm and an independent investigation, while human rights groups demanded answers about the use of live ammunition near civilians.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya expressed “deep shock” at the desecration of a holy site. On social media, ordinary Kenyans shared a mix of anger and worry—many asking how the country reached a point where a former number-two leader could be caught in such danger during church.

For Gachagua, the episode is the latest chapter in a turbulent post-impeachment life. Removed from office on corruption-related charges that he insists were politically motivated, he’s kept a relatively low profile but maintained strong support in his Nyeri backyard. Sunday’s service was meant to be a community event, not a flashpoint. Now his team says they’re grateful everyone inside emerged unharmed, though the psychological toll is another story.

Police headquarters in Nairobi promised a full statement later, but so far they’ve only confirmed “a security operation” in the area to restore order. Critics say that’s not nearly enough. When tear gas seeps into a church and gunfire rings out nearby, questions about proportionality and command responsibility become urgent.

This isn’t just a Nyeri problem—it’s a national one. Kenya has worked hard to move past the dark days of political violence that scarred the 2007-2008 post-election period. Incidents like Sunday’s risk dragging the country backward, eroding public trust in institutions at a time when economic pressures are already high. Young people watching these events unfold on their phones might wonder what kind of future they’re inheriting.

Kalonzo closed his statement with a clear message: protect the Constitution, protect citizens, protect sacred spaces. Simple words, but powerful ones coming from a man who’s seen decades of Kenyan politics up close. As the dust settles in Othaya and investigations hopefully begin, many will be hoping his call for accountability is heeded. Because if churches stop feeling safe, what place in the country truly is?