Kindiki Rejects Claims Linking His Staff to Othaya Church Attack
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly denied allegations made by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed that one of Kindiki’s bodyguards was involved in the violent incident that occurred during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25.
In a statement released on Monday, January 26, Kindiki dismissed the claims, saying the person captured in a photo circulating widely on social media is not known to him. He clarified that the individual is neither part of his personal security team nor a member of his staff.
Responding directly to Gachagua on social media, Kindiki stated that the image being used to link him to the attack was misleading.
He said he does not recognize the individual shown and emphasized that none of his officers or aides were involved in the incident.
The Deputy President accused Gachagua and other opposition leaders of deliberately trying to associate him with acts of violence for political gain. According to Kindiki, such claims are meant to damage his reputation and portray him negatively in the public eye.
He added that attempts to drag his name into the incident would not succeed, insisting that he has no connection whatsoever to the violence that took place during the church service.
Kindiki went on to clearly condemn political violence, saying he has consistently opposed the use of force in politics throughout his career. He stressed that violence has no place in political engagement, regardless of which community or political group is involved.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary said his political style is built on dialogue and mutual understanding, not intimidation or attacks. He explained that he believes in using logic, persuasion, and consensus to resolve political disagreements rather than persecuting opponents or encouraging chaos.
He further warned that rising political tensions could harm the country if left unchecked. Kindiki called on authorities to identify and take action against individuals who organize, fund, or sponsor political violence before the situation escalates further.
His response came just hours after Gachagua alleged that a staff member connected to the Office of the Deputy President was among those who attacked congregants at the ACK Witima Church in Othaya. Gachagua claimed that the attackers even fired live bullets during the incident.
In a brief social media post, the former Deputy President shared an image he claimed showed the officer involved, insisting that Kindiki may have been behind the violence that disrupted the church service.
The incident occurred on Sunday as Gachagua attended the service alongside several opposition leaders. Violence broke out within and around the church compound, causing panic among worshippers.
Witnesses reported that individuals believed to be police officers fired tear gas canisters into the church premises, forcing congregants, including women and children, to flee in fear for their safety.
As the situation worsened, one of Gachagua’s vehicles was set ablaze, while several others in his convoy were vandalized. Outside the church, goons reportedly hurled stones at vehicles belonging to his entourage, leaving significant damage and heightening tensions in the area.
The incident has since sparked public debate and political exchanges, with leaders calling for accountability and restraint to prevent further violence in places of worship and public gatherings.
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