Police Condemn Nyeri Church Attack, Launch Investigations

By : Mweru Mbugua

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into the disruption of a church service at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya Sub-County, Nyeri County, after tear gas was lobbed into the sanctuary on Sunday

The incident caused panic among congregants and brought the service to a halt. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several of his allies were attending the service at the time. Police said several vehicles parked within the church compound were damaged, but no injuries were reported

In a statement, the NPS strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “completely unacceptable and having no place in this country.” The service reiterated that places of worship are sanctuaries and should never be arenas for political conflict or violence

“The NPS abhors violence in all its forms. Those found to have perpetrated this callous disruption of a church service will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the law,” the statement read

Following the incident, the Nyeri County Criminal Investigations Officer was instructed by the Central Region Regional Police Commander to secure the scene and commence investigations

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The Inspector General of Police has also directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to move in with urgency to probe the matter

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen separately condemned the attack, terming it a direct assault on democratic values. He emphasized that violence, especially in places of worship, is unacceptable

“The police must act without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, regardless of their social standing or political affiliation,” Murkomen said

Investigations into the incident are ongoing