Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka Announce Legal Action Against 2 MPs, 12 Police Officers Over Witima Church Attack
The United Opposition has announced plans to take private legal action against 12 police officers and two Members of Parliament who are allegedly linked to the controversial attack at Witima ACK Church.
The leaders said they have gathered sufficient information pointing to the involvement of the officers and the lawmakers in the incident, which caused public outrage.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, February 19, and signed by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i, the opposition declared that they would no longer engage with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
According to the leaders, the Inspector General has failed to take action against officers believed to have participated in the attack.
They accused him of showing reluctance in handling the matter despite what they described as clear evidence.
Part of the statement read that legal proceedings would be initiated against the 12 police officers who allegedly took part in the disruption at Witima ACK Church. The event had been attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The opposition further claimed that two unnamed MPs financed and coordinated the operation behind the scenes.
The leaders strongly criticized the National Police Service, accusing it of being used to protect powerful individuals instead of serving ordinary citizens. Kalonzo Musyoka stated that continuing to hold meetings with the Inspector General would not serve Kenyans in any meaningful way.
He argued that the police boss appeared to be operating under political pressure and was presiding over a force that had allegedly been turned into a private militia for those in authority.
He added that the opposition would not continue making what he termed “ceremonial visits” to the Inspector General’s office while no concrete action was being taken.
According to Kalonzo, engaging an office that remains silent in the face of serious allegations would only legitimize what he described as obstruction and political interference.
The opposition leaders also alleged that a file containing details of the 14 individuals implicated in the incident was meant to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further investigations and possible prosecution.
However, they claimed that the file was allegedly intercepted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in order to shield those named from facing justice.
They argued that any attempt to block investigations or prevent prosecution not only goes against the Constitution but also weakens public trust in Kenya’s justice system.
According to the leaders, such actions create the impression that there are different standards of justice for different groups of people.
The opposition further warned Inspector General Douglas Kanja against interfering with their upcoming public meetings scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira, and Nakuru later this month.
They emphasized that these gatherings are lawful and protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every citizen the right to assemble, demonstrate peacefully, picket, and present petitions to public authorities.
The latest developments come just days after opposition leaders stormed the Inspector General’s office on Monday, February 16, demanding answers over recent attacks that have targeted events linked to Gachagua.
The move was meant to push for accountability and immediate action against those responsible.
Gachagua has repeatedly accused the police chief of failing to speed up investigations into the church incident, even though, according to him, there is enough evidence connecting certain officers to the attack.
He questioned why no arrests or prosecutions had been carried out despite the seriousness of the matter.
Speaking on Sunday, February 15, Gachagua said they wanted to know who planned and executed the attack and why the suspects had not been brought before a court of law.
He expressed concern over reports that women and children were harmed during the chaos, insisting that those responsible must be arraigned without delay.
As the political tension continues to rise, the opposition maintains that it will pursue justice through the courts if state agencies fail to act.
The leaders have vowed to ensure that those implicated in the Witima ACK Church incident are held accountable, saying that the rule of law must apply equally to all, regardless of status or political affiliation.
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