Gachagua Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Alleged Church Attack

Gachagua threatens nationwide protests after accusing police officers of orchestrating an alleged attack during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County. The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader warned that Kenyans will take to the streets if action is not taken against officers he claims attempted to assassinate him.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on January 30, Rigathi Gachagua issued an ultimatum to security agencies, demanding the arrest, disarmament, and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the January 25 incident at ACK Witima Church.

According to Gachagua, failure to act by February 16 will trigger mass demonstrations across major towns in the country.

Gachagua Accuses Police Officers of Targeted Attack

During his address, Gachagua claimed that at least 12 police officers were directly involved in the alleged church attack. He accused the officers of deliberately targeting him while attending a worship service, describing the incident as a coordinated assassination attempt.

He further stated that he had already submitted the names of the officers to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and questioned why no arrests had been made.

“The silence from top police commanders is worrying. This was not a random incident. It was a targeted political attack,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President demanded immediate disciplinary action against officers he believes abused their authority and endangered civilian lives inside a place of worship.

Protests to Target Top Security Officials

As Gachagua threatens nationwide protests, he specifically named senior government officials he holds responsible for what he termed a cover-up.

Among those mentioned were:

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen

• Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja

• Deputy Inspectors General

Gachagua warned that demonstrations would not only demand justice for the alleged church attack but would also focus on accountability within Kenya’s security leadership.

He said peaceful protests would be organized nationwide if the government continues to ignore the matter.

Government Dismisses Claims as Politically Motivated

The government has dismissed the allegations, terming them exaggerated and politically staged. Officials from the Interior Ministry maintained that there was no credible intelligence suggesting an assassination attempt.

Some government allies accused Gachagua of using the church incident to mobilize political support and create public sympathy.

Despite the denial, the incident has sparked widespread debate across social media and political circles, with Kenyans demanding clarity on what exactly happened at the Othaya church service.

Religious Leaders Condemn Church Violence

Church leaders and religious organizations have condemned the incident, regardless of political differences. Several clerics described the alleged attack as unacceptable and dangerous, emphasizing that places of worship should remain neutral and protected spaces.

They urged politicians to respect religious institutions and avoid turning churches into battlegrounds for political rivalry.

Religious leaders also called on security agencies to conduct transparent investigations to restore public trust.

Political Pressure Mounts on Gachagua’s Leadership

This development comes at a time when Gachagua is already facing mounting political pressure following recent legal setbacks.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to his impeachment case, clearing the way for a substantive hearing on the legality of the High Court bench involved.

Read more here:
👉 Blow to Gachagua Impeachment Case — Supreme Court Ruling on Rigathi Gachagua’s Appeal
https://dailyexpress.co.ke/blow-to-gachagua-impeachment-case/

Political analysts believe the church attack claims and protest threats could be part of a broader strategy to regain public support and remain politically relevant amid growing legal and institutional challenges.

Public Reaction Mixed as Gachagua Threatens Nationwide Protests

Public reaction has been sharply divided. Supporters have praised Gachagua for “standing up against police brutality and political intimidation,” while critics accuse him of destabilizing the country through protest politics.

On social media platforms, hashtags related to the church incident and protests began trending, showing rising public interest and concern.

Some civil society groups have urged calm, encouraging dialogue instead of street protests.

What Happens Next?

As the February 16 deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Interior Ministry.

If no arrests are made, Kenya could witness another wave of nationwide demonstrations, potentially affecting businesses, transport, and public services.

Whether the government responds through investigations or confrontation will likely shape the next phase of the unfolding political drama.