Opposition leaders say they will move to court after claiming they were blocked by police from attending a church service in Meru County on Sunday.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the opposition alliance, now referring to itself as the United Alternative Government, would pursue legal and constitutional action over what they termed an unlawful attempt to stop them from worshipping.
The leaders had planned to attend the induction ceremony of Bishop Muthuia Mwiti at the Methodist Church of Kenya Kaaga Church but were allegedly prevented from accessing the church compound by police officers.
Speaking later during a service at the East Africa Pentecostal Church in Njotene Parish, Buuri Constituency, Kalonzo said the move violated fundamental constitutional rights.
“We were denied the chance to worship and witness the induction ceremony this morning,” Kalonzo said, alleging that police officers were acting on instructions from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
He cited constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of worship, association and peaceful assembly, arguing that no Kenyan should be barred from entering a place of worship.
Kalonzo emphasized that the opposition had no issue with the church itself but with what he described as political interference.
“We respect the Methodist Church and its congregation. Our concern is with those who used political authority to block the doors,” he said.
Among the leaders present were Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, alongside several legislators.
Muturi criticized the heavy police deployment at the church, arguing that security officers should instead focus on addressing insecurity challenges such as cattle theft reported in parts of Meru County.
He also accused President William Ruto of sidelining leaders who had supported his 2022 presidential campaign.
Gachagua, on his part, condemned the use of security agencies in political disputes, saying churches should remain neutral spaces where worshippers can gather freely.
He further urged leaders to avoid political divisions in the Mt Kenya region, emphasizing the need for unity among voters in the area.
The opposition leaders maintained that they would continue engaging their supporters across the country despite what they described as increasing political pressure from the government.
