Clergy Urge Police to Keep Off Church Compounds After Nyeri Incident

The United Clergy Alliance (UCA) has appealed to the police to stop conducting security operations within church compounds, following violence witnessed at a church service in Nyeri County.

In a statement, the alliance condemned the incident that occurred at Witima ACK Church in Othaya on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The clergy said several worshippers were injured after police used tear gas, causing panic among congregants.

“The incident has deeply saddened the Christian community and shaken the spiritual conscience of our nation,” the statement said.

The alliance called on the government to ensure the safety of worshippers and to respect the sanctity of places of worship.

“We call upon the National Police Service to desist from conducting security operations within church compounds and to issue an unequivocal apology for the sacrilege witnessed last Sunday,” the statement added.

UCA also urged political leaders and state agencies to respect the church, warning that fear among worshippers is growing.

“It is alarming that worshippers in Kenya now fear the very government they entrusted with leadership and protection. This must not be allowed to continue,” the clergy said.

Following the incident, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence and said the Inspector General of Police had informed him that investigations were underway.

The National Police Service later confirmed that a special unit has been deployed to investigate the incident.