- Rigathi Gachagua claimed there was a government-sponsored attack during a church service in Nyeri county
- Unknown assailants allegedly used tear gas and bullets to disrupt the ceremony
- Critics recalled Gachagua’s previous stance of supporting the use of police force against protests, which sparked a heated debate.
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of plotting to kill him following the violence that disrupted the church service in Othaya, Nyeri county, on Sunday, January 25.
Source: Facebook
The incident happened at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Witima when Gachagua, who is now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), was attending the morning service.
Witnesses reported that unidentified men, suspected to be plainclothes police officers and paid thugs, threw tear gas canisters directly into the church and fired shots into the air.
How was Gachagua attacked in Othaya church?
The attack caused great consternation among hundreds of believers.
Videos captured showed babies suffocating from tear gas and a little girl fainting as worshipers ran to save themselves.
In the ensuing violence, Gachagua’s Toyota Land Cruiser was set on fire, while several other vehicles in his convoy were damaged or had their tires deflated.
Source: Twitter
Gachagua, who was later freed by his security forces through a barbed wire fence, described the incident as a government-sponsored attack aimed at destroying him.
In a press release, Gachagua mentioned the special police vehicles and officers allegedly involved in the operation.
Did Gachagua coordinate police attacks against Raila in 2023?
While the attack has caused great criticism from leaders like Kalonzo Musyokasome Kenyans have responded with strong sarcasm.
Critics on the internet have reminded of Gachagua’s strong stance against the opposition when he was deputy president.
Many reminded the public how in March 2023, Gachagua was arriving at his office at Harambee House Annex early at 5:15 in the morning to coordinate the government’s position against the protests Declaration of Unity.
At that time, the opposition led by the late Raila Odinga you were protesting the high cost of living.
Gachagua was among the leading advocates of police use of force, praising officers for dealing with protesters and dismissing allegations of violence as necessary measures to protect property.
“After the cessation of protests and violence, I urge all Kenyans to return to work and continue their businesses with diligence and enthusiasm. Knowing that the thugs who intended to use the violence to loot and steal may still be planning to continue, our security officers are alert and are on full alert,” said Gachagua on April 2, 2023.
Who planned the attack against Gachagua?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that a newspaper claimed that a plan to attack Gachagua was prepared in Nairobi, while an official said they were instructed to allow the operation to continue without much interference.
The officer claimed a 15-man squad was formed on Friday, January 23, and tasked with disrupting the church service, working with about 20 youths, while the local police were ordered not to intervene.
The meeting was supposed to be held at Vigilance House organized by two senior officers and three leaders from Mount Kenya, including one woman, with orders to injure him if possible.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
