Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned what he described as a violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team were reportedly trapped amid gunfire and the use of tear gas.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kalonzo said unarmed leaders and civilians had been forced to remain inside the church as security forces allegedly deployed live bullets and tear gas, while vehicles were torched outside the compound.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team, together with unarmed leaders and civilians, are trapped inside a place of worship as live bullets and tear gas are deployed and vehicles torched outside,” Kalonzo said.
He described the incident as a serious breach of constitutional order and the rule of law, stressing that places of worship are protected spaces.
“This is a grave and unacceptable violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. A church is a sacred and protected space,” he said.
Kalonzo further faulted the alleged use of force against unarmed civilians, terming it unlawful and indefensible.
“The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible,” he said.
The Wiper leader said he was holding the Inspector General of Police and all those involved responsible for the safety of Gachagua, his team, and civilians who were said to be inside the church.
“I hold the Inspector General of Police and all those responsible fully accountable for the safety of Rigathi Gachagua, his team, and all civilians inside the church,” Kalonzo said.
He warned that political competition could not be used to justify violence or intimidation, particularly in places of worship.
“No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship,” he said.
Kalonzo called for adherence to constitutional principles, warning against a slide into lawlessness.
“Kenya must remain a constitutional democracy governed by law, not violence, fear, or impunity,” he added.
Gachagua had earlier, in a statement, alleged that he and others were under attack inside the church.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Wairima ACK church, Othaya,” Gachagua claimed.
In the same statement, Gachagua said those inside the church were unable to leave as they came under what he described as sustained assault.
“We are marooned in church being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and torched my vehicles,” he said.
He appealed to the public for prayers, expressing fear for their lives.
“We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua said.
The claims have heightened political tension, with leaders calling for restraint and accountability as questions arise over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At the time of publication, there was no official response from the police or the government addressing the allegations made by Gachagua and Kalonzo.
