- President William Ruto condemned the violence in a church service in Nyeri county attended by Rigathi Gachagua
- Speaking in Nairobi, the head of state wanted respect for places of worship as political tension increased
- The President further explained to the police officers what should happen in politically charged incidents in places of worship
Nairobi – President William Ruto has broken his silence on the violence witnessed in Othaya during a church service attended by his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Facebook
On January 25, Gachagua and his team were forced to flee after suspected gun-wielding thugs disrupted a church service in Witima PCEA.
Did William Ruto condemn church violence?
But speaking at the PEFA All Nations Gospel Church in Gikomba on Sunday, February 1, the president condemned the chaos and excessive use of force within places of worship.
The President warned against politicizing church events, stressing that places of worship should remain free of politics.
“I want us to ask ourselves as Kenyans; we can do politics, we can seek leadership, but when it comes to the church, that should be a place of respect,” Ruto said.
According to the head of state, all leaders, regardless of their status in society, should respect places of worship.
“Let’s not bring politics, hatred or chaos into the churches. We want our churches to be a place of peace and seek God. All of us, regardless of who we are, must respect God’s place in our churches,” the president said.
What did Ruto tell the police about the church violence?
In his speech, Ruto sent a strong message to security officials, urging them to exercise restraint in places of worship despite the rising political heat in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
“All security forces must ensure that our places of worship are protected from unnecessary and regressive wars and politics,” Ruto said.
At the same time, the president criticized politicians promoting tribal agenda in Nairobi County ahead of the next election.
According to Ruto, the people of Nairobi have no time for backward politics fueled by hatred and tribalism.
“The courageous people of Nairobi County have no desire for back-door politics fueled by hatred, division, or tribalism. Their eyes are focused on opportunities; on growing their businesses, expanding their businesses, and ensuring a better future for their families.” he said.
Who did Gachagua blame for the chaos in the church in Othaya?
Following the attack in Othaya, the leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DCP) claimed that a gang of 15 rogue police officers, led by two bodyguards of a popular Murang’a politician, gathered at his house in Nyeri before heading to Witima church armed with AK-47 rifles and tear gas.
He criticized the Minister of Interior Dating Murkomenwho said the police had launched an investigation into the incident.
Bishop of Mount Kenya West Gerald Mwangi Muriithi also issued a statement expressing his disappointment following the police attack on the Witima ACK Church.
During a press briefing on January 26, Muriithi said that the attack had traumatized and disturbed the church members, violated their right to worship and intimidated the priests.
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