You Can’t Investigate Yourself!’ Gachagua Slams Murkomen Over Nyeri Church Chaos
Speaking after the incident, Gachagua accused the police of orchestrating the chaos and questioned the credibility of investigations being conducted by the same authorities he alleges were involved
By : Mweru Mbugua
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following violent disruptions during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, where he was teargassed and one of his vehicles set ablaze
Speaking after the incident, Gachagua accused the police of orchestrating the chaos and questioned the credibility of investigations being conducted by the same authorities he alleges were involved
“They rained bullets like rain. For 40 minutes, goons raided us in church, yet Othaya Police Station is just 200 metres from that place. How then can you say you will investigate?” Gachagua said
In response, Murkomen condemned the violence in a statement posted on X, saying investigations were already underway. He noted that he had spoken to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who assured him that all those responsible would be brought to justice
“The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation. As a Government, we remain firmly committed to upholding the tenets of democracy, including the right to lawful assembly and freedom of worship,” Murkomen stated
He also urged residents of Othaya to remain calm as law enforcement agencies handle the matter
Gachagua dismissed Murkomen’s assurances, rejecting claims that the incident was stage-managed for political gain. He accused government-aligned bloggers of spreading misinformation about the violence
“I have seen government bloggers spreading nonsense. Where can we get teargas or AK-47s? Are they sold in supermarkets? Please, Murkomen, do not play with the minds of Kenyans. Do not make this country ungovernable,” he said
The incident occurred at Wairima ACK Church, where a service was disrupted after teargas filled the sanctuary, forcing worshippers to flee. Several people were injured as sporadic gunfire was reported
Also read : CS Ruku Accuses Gachagua of Orchestrating Church Chaos to Gain Public Sympathy
One of Gachagua’s vehicles was torched, while several others belonging to opposition leaders were vandalised. His bodyguards evacuated him through a rear fence before escorting him through nearby thickets to safety
Later, while speaking at his Wamunyoro home in Mathira, Gachagua alleged that the attack was carried out by security officers
“More than 15 officers under the command of the Murang’a woman representative’s bodyguards attacked us,” he claimed
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also condemned the incident, calling for immediate and thorough investigations
Despite the attack, Gachagua maintained that he remains undeterred, saying he will continue with what he described as his mission to liberate the country
