Ruto Condemns Church Attack, Warns Against Political Violence in Places of Worship
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church, where worshippers were attending a service alongside several politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Chaos erupted after tear gas canisters were reportedly lobbed into the church, forcing congregants to flee for safety
By : Mweru Mbugua
President William Ruto has condemned the violent disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, warning politicians and security agencies against turning places of worship into arenas for political confrontation
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church, where worshippers were attending a service alongside several politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Chaos erupted after tear gas canisters were reportedly lobbed into the church, forcing congregants to flee for safety
Mr Gachagua claimed that he and others escaped through nearby bushes to avoid the smoke and gunfire, alleging that live bullets were fired and his vehicles set ablaze during the incident. In a statement, he accused the police and the government of orchestrating the attack
Speaking during a church service on Sunday, President Ruto stressed that while political engagement is a democratic right, churches must remain sanctuaries of peace, respect and spiritual reflection
“We can practise politics and seek leadership, but when it comes to church, that should be a place of respect,” the President said. “Let us not bring politics, hatred or chaos into churches. We want our churches to remain places of peace and seeking God”
The Head of State urged security agencies to protect places of worship from unnecessary and retrogressive political conflict, warning that such actions threaten national unity and the constitutional right to worship freely
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“All of us, irrespective of who we are or what we believe in, must respect the place of God in our churches,” he added
Meanwhile, Mr Gachagua has demanded the arrest and prosecution of police officers allegedly involved in the disruption, threatening to mobilise nationwide demonstrations if justice is not served
The incident has sparked national debate over the politicisation of religious spaces and the role of security agencies during politically sensitive gatherings
