By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, January 26 , 2026 - ACK Mt Kenya West Bishop Rt Rev Gerald Muriithi has demanded a public apology, immediate investigations and prosecutions following what he termed a “heinous and barbaric” attack on worshippers at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
“We demand an apology from all the relevant security apparatus and any political leader(s) who could be involved in this criminal and shameful act,” the bishop said in a statement issued to newsrooms on Monday.
He further called on the Inspector General of Police to “conduct a speedy and thorough investigation to the whole matter with possible prosecution of all those found culpable,” warning that failure to act would deepen public mistrust in the security agencies.
The bishop also demanded respect and protection of all places of worship, urging political leaders to uphold tolerance for the sake of peace and national stability.
“As a Church we demand respect and protection of all places of worship,” the statement read, adding that “those with differences should settle them away from places of worship.”
The strong demands follow violent scenes witnessed on Sunday, January 25, 2026, which Bishop Muriithi described as “the darkest day in the history of our Church.”
According to the statement, Christians had gathered for worship when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders joined the congregation.
Shortly thereafter, goons accompanied by police officers allegedly stormed the church compound, lobbed teargas canisters and fired live ammunition at worshippers.
“The police officers were recklessly shooting live bullets and throwing teargas to the Church,” the bishop said, accusing security officers of colluding with goons who were armed with stones and crude weapons.
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He said the attack caused panic and trauma, particularly among children and elderly congregants, while clergy were “terrified and intimidated.”
The Church further accused the police of standing by as vehicles were burned and tyres deflated, describing the incident as a clear case of “misuse of the police service to achieve a selfish gain.”
Raising fresh concerns, the bishop questioned the use of police vehicles to ferry goons to the church, citing two police vehicles — one bearing registration number GKB 765X — that allegedly accompanied matatus from a certain SACCO.
“From whose command and for what purpose were these police vehicles and officers operating?” the statement posed.
Reaffirming the Church’s stance, Bishop Muriithi said places of worship must remain neutral and open to all, regardless of political affiliation.
“All are welcome to our places of worship just for worship purposes and not for political reason,” he said, noting that freedom of worship is protected under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The ACK said disrupting a church service is a criminal offence under the Penal Code and condemned the attack “with the strongest words possible.”
