President William Ruto has finally spoken out following the chaotic scenes that unfolded during a church service in Othaya that was attended by his former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
The President addressed the issue on Sunday, February 1, while speaking to congregants at the PEFA All Nations Gospel Church in Gikomba. In his remarks,
Ruto strongly condemned the violence and disorder that was witnessed inside a place of worship, stressing that churches must always remain peaceful and respected spaces.
Although he did not directly mention Rigathi Gachagua or the Othaya incident by name, the Head of State warned against the growing habit of turning church gatherings into political battlegrounds.
He emphasized that political differences should never be allowed to interfere with worship or spiritual gatherings.
“I want us, as Kenyans, to reflect deeply. We can engage in politics and seek leadership, but when it comes to church, that must remain a place of respect,” Ruto said, drawing loud applause from the congregation.
He went on to urge leaders and citizens alike to keep hatred, politics, and violence out of churches, saying that such spaces should be reserved for prayer, peace, and seeking God.
The President further noted that every individual, regardless of their political position or personal differences, has a responsibility to honour and protect the sanctity of places of worship.
Ruto’s remarks come in the wake of controversy surrounding the National Police Service following events in Othaya on Sunday, February 25. During the church service, a teargas canister was reportedly thrown into the church compound, causing panic and forcing worshippers to flee.
Rigathi Gachagua, who was among the expected attendees, later claimed that the chaos was an attempt on his life. He said he was forced to escape through nearby bushes as security officers struggled to contain the situation.
The incident sparked a heated exchange of blame between the opposition and the government. The National Police Service defended its actions, stating that Gachagua and his team failed to notify local security authorities in advance about his attendance at the church event, which they said complicated security arrangements.
While speaking in Gikomba, President Ruto also issued a direct message to security agencies, urging them to act with restraint, especially in sensitive areas such as churches.
“All arms of security must ensure that our places of worship are protected from unnecessary conflict and backward political fights,” the President stated.
Following the Othaya incident, opposition leaders led by Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua held talks with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja at Vigilance House on January 30.
The meeting was aimed at easing tensions and improving coordination between political leaders and the police.
After the discussions, IG Kanja assured the opposition leaders that the police were committed to maintaining open communication, cooperation, and positive engagement going forward.
Days later, on Sunday, Gachagua and other opposition figures attended another church service in Murang’a County.
Unlike the Othaya event, the Murang’a service passed without major incident, although it was marked by a heavy police presence, highlighting ongoing security concerns surrounding opposition activities.
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