Gachagua Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Church Attack in Ultimatum to IG Kanja
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has issued a strong warning that he will lead nationwide protests if police officers allegedly involved in the violent attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya are not arrested before February 16.
The former Deputy President says he will not back down until those he believes are responsible are disarmed, charged in court, and removed from active duty.
Speaking during a press conference held in Nairobi on Friday, January 30, Gachagua directly addressed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, accusing the police leadership of protecting officers he claims were part of a planned assassination attempt against him.
He described the January 25 church incident as a carefully organised operation, not a random security disturbance.
Gachagua told journalists that the attack happened during a church service, a place meant for worship, peace, and safety. He said a special police unit of 12 officers was allegedly sent to carry out the attack, claiming it was a government-planned operation meant to eliminate him politically and physically.
“We spoke with the IG directly and told him clearly that what happened was not an ordinary attack. It was an assassination attempt planned by the government. A special squad of 12 officers was sent to attack us inside a church,” Gachagua said.
The former DP further revealed that he has already submitted the names of the officers he wants arrested to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to him, these officers must be immediately disarmed, arrested, and charged in court without delay.
He insisted that the Inspector General must give a firm public assurance that action will be taken before February 16, warning that failure to act will trigger massive demonstrations across the country.
“Before we come back on February 16, those officers must be arrested, disarmed and taken to court. The IG must give that assurance. If not, the country will witness mass action,” he stated.
Gachagua also claimed that two vehicles were sent from Nairobi by a regional police commander to transport the officers who were allegedly involved in the January 25 incident. He said this showed the operation was planned and coordinated from higher levels of police leadership, not a spontaneous act.
According to Gachagua, his DCP Party has officially issued an ultimatum to the Inspector General, setting February 16 as the final deadline for action. If the demands are ignored, he says nationwide demonstrations will be launched in all major towns and cities.
He added that the protests will not only target IG Douglas Kanja but will also be directed at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the two Deputy Inspectors General. Gachagua said they must all step aside to allow for serious police reforms and independent investigations into what he described as growing police brutality and political misuse of security agencies.
The January 25 incident at ACK Witima Church was marked by chaos and fear after armed individuals stormed the sanctuary. Witnesses reported teargas canisters being thrown into the church, forcing worshippers to flee in panic. Women, children, and elderly congregants were seen running for safety as the service turned into a scene of confusion and terror.
During the chaos, Gachagua’s motorcade was also attacked. His vehicles had their tyres punctured, and his main vehicle was set on fire.
His security team was forced to evacuate him through nearby bushes before rescuing him using a motorcycle to get him out of danger.
Gachagua has directly accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of being behind the violence. He alleged that a member of Kindiki’s security team led the attackers and that live bullets and teargas were used deliberately to cause fear and possibly kill him.
However, Deputy President Kindiki strongly denied the accusations. He described the claims as “primitive politics” and “bullying tactics,” arguing that Gachagua staged the incident to gain public sympathy and political support. He called for a professional, impartial investigation by the police to establish the truth.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also rejected the assassination claims. He alleged that the incident was “stage-managed” by Gachagua himself to attract sympathy from Kenyans and international observers, and to portray himself as a victim of political persecution.
Religious organisations across the country have strongly condemned the attack. Groups including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the United Clergy Alliance (UCA) described the incident as a “desecration” of a holy place.
They warned that turning churches into spaces of violence threatens national unity, peace, and the moral fabric of society.
They called on the government, police leadership, and political leaders to protect places of worship and ensure that churches remain safe spaces for prayer, worship, and community healing.
As tensions continue to rise, the country now waits to see whether the Inspector General and police leadership will act on Gachagua’s demands before the February 16 deadline, or whether Kenya will witness another wave of nationwide protests over what is shaping up to be one of the most serious political and security standoffs in recent months.
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