Former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, Rigathi Gachagua, has urged authorities to quickly prosecute those responsible for the attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 25, 2026.
Speaking during a service in Zimmerman, Roysambu, Nairobi, Gachagua said the individuals involved—including police officers—have been identified, but their cases have not been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
He called for the files to be forwarded immediately, insisting that assaults on churches should face the full force of the law.
“The investigation is over and we know all the officers who attacked us in ACK Witima. We also know the Member of Parliament involved but we see there is reluctance to forward the file to the ODPP,” Gachagua stated.
The opposition leader emphasized that until justice is served, forgiveness cannot be offered.
"Until those people have been prosecuted the church cannot forgive the government. Attacks on a church is a terrorist act ands those who attacked us are terrorists."
Gachagua also announced plans for the United Opposition to visit Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s office on Monday to demand answers on the delay. “We were there two weeks ago and tomorrow at 10:00 am we will go back to ask him why those people have not been taken to court,” he said.
During the Witima church attack, tear gas and live bullets were reportedly used, vehicles destroyed, and congregants injured. Opposition sources allege that a special police unit known as “Sierra” coordinated the operation.
Fifteen people have been named as suspects, including Major Nicholas Mwachovi, Cpl John Maina alias Birash, Cpl Vincent Maronga, Peter Matu, Owen Kagia, David Ochieng, Erick Obiero, Jeff Mutwiri, Jackson Kioko, Kefa Okwoyo, Crispin Walumbe Muthoni, Stephen Habire Chege, Peter Wainaina Kabuga, Ambrose Manyeki Njeri alias Magrass, and Simon Mwangi Wangari alias Sanchez.
The attack follows what the opposition describes as a series of government-backed efforts to undermine its engagements with citizens. In a letter to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto, the opposition documented 23 attacks on Gachagua, his family, supporters, and members of the public between November 2024 and January 2026.
The letter detailed incidents in Limuru, Shamata, Nyeri, Meru, Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Murang’a, Narok, Nairobi, and Kirinyaga counties.
Many of these involved live ammunition, tear gas, or alleged assaults by police officers or police-backed groups. The opposition expressed deep concern over the repeated and violent nature of the attacks, some of which reportedly occurred in the presence of law enforcement and with alleged facilitation by officers.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the church attack, urging police to act promptly. “The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation,” Murkomen said.
