President William Ruto has strongly criticised the violent disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, calling on Kenyans and security agencies to uphold the sanctity of places of worship. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church, where worshippers were forced to flee after tear gas canisters were lobbed into the church during a service attended by several politicians, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The sudden attack sparked panic, bringing the service to an abrupt halt.
In a statement following the chaos, Gachagua claimed that congregants were trapped inside the church as tear gas filled the sanctuary, forcing them to escape through nearby bushes. He further alleged that live bullets were fired and that his vehicles were set ablaze during the incident. Speaking during a separate church service on Sunday, President Ruto condemned the violence and stressed that political competition should never spill into religious spaces. He reiterated that churches must remain safe environments dedicated to worship, unity and reflection.
The Head of State noted that while political engagement is a democratic right, it must be exercised responsibly and without disrupting religious gatherings. He warned against turning churches into arenas for political hostility, saying such actions threaten national cohesion and the constitutional right to freedom of worship. President Ruto also directed security agencies to ensure churches and other places of worship are protected from unnecessary political confrontations, describing the Othaya incident as unacceptable and counterproductive.
Meanwhile, Gachagua has openly accused the police and the government of having a hand in the disruption. He demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers involved, warning that failure to act would trigger nationwide protests. The incident has sparked widespread debate on the growing intersection between politics and religious institutions, with leaders urging restraint and respect for sacred spaces.
