Rigathi Gachagua, Opposition Leaders Return to Othaya a few days after being attacked by the Police

• Opposition leaders planned to return to Othaya for a major political rally after the DCP event was canceled last week
• Gachagua and his team, and the members of the church, had to flee for safety after the police and suspected criminals raided the Witima ACK Church
• The leaders expressed the intention of the visit despite the violent incidents that occurred in the church

Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua is expected in Othaya in Nyeri county for a religious and political meeting just one week after the police interrupted his worship.

On Sunday, January 25, the leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DCP) and his allies had to flee the Witima ACK Church after 15 police officers and people wearing masks fired tear gas and allegedly fired live shots.

The service was interrupted, forcing the priests to end the sermon amid several injuries.

Gachagua claimed that the attack was an attempt to kill him and that it was organized by two Members of Parliament, senior government officials, and security agencies.

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Why is the opposition returning to Othaya?

According to the opposition, the return to Mount Kenya on Sunday, February 1, marks a stand against alleged government threats and an assurance to the public that they will not back down.

The opposition also says that religious institutions must remain open to all leaders without fear as they continue their struggle for democracy.

Gachagua and the joint opposition team would begin their visit to the Murang’a church for a church service before returning to Othaya, where he canceled his visit after last week’s riots.

“On Sunday, we will go to the church service in Murang’a and then we will return to Othaya. We must reach our people whether they like it or not,” said Eugene Wamalwa, DAP-Kenya leader.

Did Gachagua visit IG Kanja’s office?

The visit came days after the leaders held a high-level meeting with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, which was aimed at addressing growing concerns about the safety and security of opposition leaders.

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Deputy head of DCP Cleophas Malala claimed that more than 20 incidents, including attacks by criminal gangs and politically influential groups, have been recorded, but no follow-up has been witnessed.

The leaders, including the leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front Kalonzo MusyokaMalwa, Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi, Jubilee deputy leader Fred Matiang’i, and People Liberation Party’s Martha Karua, emphasized the constitutional mandate of the police, including providing neutral security to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

Why are Gachagua always attacked in churches?

Meanwhile, speaking after the incident, Kiambu senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa claimed that Gachagua has faced frequent attacks due to the fear of the police confronting him in public places.

According to Karungo, the accused senior officials are abusing the situation of the closed churches and their low attendance to create fear in the public.

Karungo further claimed that when attacks occur in public meetings, Gachagua supporters may repeat and cause an unnecessary incident.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke