Gachagua Gives Deadline for Police Action, Warns of Protests After Othaya Church Chaos

Kenya, January 30 2026 - Opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a fresh ultimatum to police, saying he will rally nationwide protests if officers he accuses of attacking him at a church in Othaya are not arrested within two weeks.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader described the January 25 incident at ACK Witima Church as a targeted plot against him, and not a random security lapse. He said he had already presented the names of 12 officers to investigators and expects swift action.

“We spoke with the IG head on and told him the attack on Sunday was not an ordinary attack. It was an assassination attempt targeted at Gachagua planned by the government. A special squad of 12 officers was sent to attack us in church,” he said.

Gachagua added that his team wants the officers “arrested, disarmed and taken to court” before February 16. “He must give that assurance,” he said, referring to Inspector General Douglas Kanja.

The former Deputy President further alleged that two vehicles were sent from Nairobi to transport the officers linked to the disruption. According to him, failure to act will trigger countrywide demonstrations, which he said would also call for the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Kanja and the two Deputy Inspectors General pending police reforms.

The church incident caused fear among worshippers after teargas was thrown into the sanctuary, forcing the congregation to flee and cutting the service short. Gachagua’s convoy was also damaged in the confusion, and his security detail moved him away from the scene to safety.