Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly survived an alleged assassination attempt, following a violent attack at Wairima ACK Church in Othaya.
Witnesses say assailants targeted the church with live bullets, tear gas, and set vehicles on fire.
The churchgoers were settled until teargas smoke suddenly sneaked into what was supposed to be a solemn ceremony, where the former deputy head of state was to address the congregants after the service.
Members began choking from the tear gas, forcing them to cover their mouths and eyes to reduce its impact. Some members were overwhelmed by the tear gas, with some fainting and first aid being administered to resuscitate them.
The church service was forced to come to a standstill, and everyone began looking for a way out to get some fresh air.
The former Deputy President has since come out to condemn the act, pointing an accusing finger at the President for being behind the attack. He said that the church was attacked, live bullets were fired at congregants, and his vehicles were torched.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he said.
Outside the church, there were clouds of smoke with unknown people covering their faces, wearing military fatigues.
In a video shared by Stephen Kalonzo, a group of plainclothes police officers arrived in a police vehicle and other people in a public vehicle , firing guns towards the church.
Authorities have yet to confirm the whereabouts of Gachagua but a video seen by Julisha.co.ke depicted the former deputy president being whisked away to safety through bushes near the church. Security agencies are reportedly responding to the incident to secure the area and evacuate those trapped.
Kenyans and opposition leaders have condemned the attack, calling on police to investigate the matter.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team, together with unarmed leaders and civilians, are trapped inside a place of worship as live bullets and tear gas are deployed and vehicles torched outside. I hold the Inspector General of Police and all those responsible fully accountable for the safety of Rigathi, his team, and all civilians inside the church. No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorizing citizens or attacking a place of worship,” Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Gachagua has on several occasions found himself at the centre of controversy after security agencies fired teargas at public gatherings where he was in attendance, including church services, funerals and political rallies.
In July 2025, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo, Murang’a County, ended in chaos when police blocked roads and used teargas to disperse congregants.
Gachagua’s allies, including local political leaders, were forced to flee the scene as the fumes engulfed worshippers, many of whom were elderly or children.
Security agencies are yet to issue any official statement on the Othaya Church attack, at the time of this publication.
