The spark for this nationwide threat was a violent disruption on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. According to reports and eyewitnesses, a peaceful church service was thrown into chaos when teargas canisters were lobbed into the sanctuary, forcing worshippers to flee.
“The attack in Othaya was not an ordinary security lapse; it was a state-sanctioned assassination attempt targeted at Gachagua,” the opposition leader stated following a tense two-hour meeting with top police commanders.
1. The “Killer Squad” Allegations
The opposition claims that the Othaya incident is part of a systemic pattern of violence.
12 Officers Named: Gachagua revealed he has provided the names of 12 specific officers allegedly involved in the church attack to investigators.
Assassination Claims: Gachagua alleges he has survived seven assassination attempts since his impeachment in late 2024, claiming that “rogue” police units are being used to intimidate him ahead of the 2027 elections.
Internal Accusations: The former DP has pointed fingers at high-ranking officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, though the government has dismissed these claims as “primitive politics” and “stage-managed” drama.
2. The Demands: A Two-Week Countdown
The United Opposition Alliance, backed by figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, has laid out a strict “Stop the Violence” roadmap:
Immediate Arrests: The 12 officers linked to the Othaya chaos must be disarmed and prosecuted by February 16, 2026.
Independent Probe: The opposition is demanding a transparent, external investigation into 24 reported attacks on Gachagua’s rallies over the past year.
Removal of Officials: Failure to act will see the opposition call for the resignation of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Douglas Kanja.
3. The Government’s “Stage-Managed” Counter
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has denied state involvement, suggesting the incident was orchestrated by Gachagua’s own team to whip up public sympathy. However, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and other religious bodies have condemned the violation of a place of worship, calling for calm as the DCI launches a formal investigation.
