On Sunday, January 25, 2026, during a service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church (ACK) Witima in Othaya, Nyeri County, the peaceful worship was interrupted by a coordinated assault.
The Infiltration: According to allegations made by Gachagua and supported by preliminary witness accounts, a “gang of rogue police officers” dressed in civilian clothing infiltrated the church compound.
The Weaponry: The attackers reportedly used AK-47 assault rifles and lobbed tear-gas canisters directly into the sanctuary at approximately 11:00 AM, forcing congregants to flee in panic.
Targeted Property Damage: Several vehicles within the church compound, including those in Gachagua’s motorcade, were reportedly vandalized during the chaos.
What the “Whistleblower” Revelations Suggest
While official police statements claim they are “investigating the sponsors,” Gachagua has publicly dismissed claims of stage-managing the event. During a high-stakes press conference, he posed a rhetorical challenge to the government:
“Where can we get access to tear gas? Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles? The government knows exactly who was sent to Othaya.”
Claims are now circulating in the political sphere (notably cited by allies like Cleophas Malala) that the plan was designed to “intimidate” Gachagua’s growing Democracy for the Citizens Party and curtail his influence in the Mount Kenya region.
The Government’s Response
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violence as “unacceptable,” particularly in a place of worship. However, the lack of immediate arrests of the uniformed individuals seen at the scene has fueled a narrative of “police complicity” among the opposition.
