By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A former Deputy President of Kenya and prominent opposition figure has alleged that there was an attempt on his life, following an attack during a Sunday church service in the central county of Nyeri.
Rigathi Gachagua, who was in 2024 sacked as deputy to incumbent President William Ruto through an impeachment trial told BBC that rogue police officers “shot at everybody and tear-gassed the church” in Othaya, central county of Nyeri.
He had previously accused his former boss Ruto of ordering the attack without providing evidence. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.
The police said a probe has commenced, adding that no injuries had been reported. Police were informed that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday, disrupting the service.
Several vehicles were reportedly damaged within the church compound, the police added, appealing for witnesses to come up and assist with information.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya area and now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team.
He had posted photos of the incident on X and alleged that “armed police officers with AK47s and tear gas descended on the church”.
Gachagua said that after he was helped to safety, the attackers set his car on fire and “mercilessly” beat up those gathered outside the church.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party said he has not reported the incident to the relevant authorities “because it is the police who attacked us. You cannot report the police to the police”.
He earlier held a press conference where he dismissed allegations from pro-government groups that the attack had been stage-managed.
“Where can we get access to tear gas?… Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles?” he asked.
The Interior Minister said the police chief had promised him that the attackers would be brought to justice.
