- Posted January 25, 2026 at 12:09 PM By Nancy Odindo 3 minutes to read
- Former DP Rigathi Gachagua named the leaders suspected of being behind his attack during a service in Othaya
- Gachagua had complained about attacks targeting his places of worship, while the incident in Nyeri increased the number
- A section of Kenyans expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing attacks in Gachagua and issued a prayer request
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has claimed to have been attacked in the church in Nyeri where he attended for the service on Sunday, January 25.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua accused the President William Ruto for targeting him in the Witima ACK Church, Othaya, with the aim of causing murder.
What happened in Othaya church?
He claimed that his cars were also set on fire and asked Kenyans to pray for their safety.
“William Ruto has sent a squad of killers to kill us inside the Witima ACK church, Othaya. We are stuck in the church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and my cars were set on fire. We are asking Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he pleaded.
A video shot inside the church captured many worshipers being worried while others were hiding from the smoke.
The sounds of ‘shots’ were also heard from outside the building.
Heavy smoke disrupted the crowded service and caused the service to stop for a while as some worshipers ran to safety.
However, in the midst of the chaos, a woman collapsed near the altar, forcing part of the congregation to rush her out for emergency care.
At the same time, this is not the first time Gachagua has been attacked while attending churches.
The leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) was previously attacked while attending a church service in Kariobangi Kasakini church, where he went for Thanksgiving following his victory in the November 27 by-election.
In April 2025, armed thugs disrupted a service at the PCEA Mwiki Church there Kasarani and involve believers in unexpected violence.
In almost all cases of Gachagua’s attack after his removal from power historically, the opposition leader has been pointing fingers at the president.
What did Kenyans say about Gachagua being repeatedly attacked?
Prince Ken:
“Did you ask them if William Ruto sent them?”
Wanjaku Muhia:
“It’s a shame. The church is the house of the Most High Father. The Kiambaa incident is repeating itself.”
Sammy Ndegwa Gatonye:
“Don’t tell me about the tear gas in the church again.”
Pauline Njeri:
“Why in the church… you have to do that in the church… you have to wait for Gachagua in the church? Do you know his house?…. We saw Bobi Wine from Uganda being locked in his own house. If you don’t want Gachagua to go around, lock him in his house.”
Man Zimbo:
“Something doesn’t add up… Why does Gachagua go to church every day and every Sunday and it only happens in the mountainous area… This is a city play similar to the movie of Koimburi.. Now we know.”
Source: Facebook
Was Rigathi Gachagua authorized to run for president?
At the same time, the fierce and unapologetic leader was endorsed as the 2027 opposition candidate by his close allies.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala claimed that among all the candidates within the group, Gachagua is the strongest and has the voice to oppose Ruto.
Speaking after the endorsement, Gachagua outlined his key reforms after the 2027 victory, including the removal of SHA and the Affordable Housing project.
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