Deputy President William Ruto’s Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, says he is safe following a teargas attack at a church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Gachagua took to social media to thank God, the residents of Othaya, and his private security for helping him reach safety. “I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” he wrote.
He asked supporters waiting in Othaya Town and Kiawara to return home peacefully, noting that their vehicles had been disabled and sound systems dismantled. He also warned that “the killer squad backed by the local police are all over the two venues,” claiming they had failed to harm him inside the church.
Gachagua thanked leaders and Kenyans for condemning the attack, adding, “God is in control, and His power surpasses that of William Ruto.”
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka also condemned the incident, calling it a serious violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. Speaking at a service at AIC Mwatungo Kithyoko in Machakos County, Kalonzo said:
“I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where Second Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his team, together with unarmed leaders and civilians, were trapped inside a place of worship as live bullets and tear gas were deployed and vehicles torched outside.”
He added that churches are sacred spaces, and using force against unarmed citizens is “unlawful and indefensible.” Kalonzo also held the Inspector General of Police and all responsible parties accountable for the safety of Gachagua and other civilians.
“No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship,” he said. “Kenya must remain a constitutional democracy governed by law, not violence, fear, or impunity. President William Ruto, should anything happen to Second Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya will hold you wholly responsible.”
The attack reportedly occurred midway through a service at Wairima ACK Church, where Gachagua was a guest. Teargas caused panic, forcing worshippers to rush outside. Live bullets were allegedly fired, and some of Gachagua’s vehicles were vandalised.
Gachagua directly blamed President Ruto, claiming an attempt on his life, and asked Kenyans to pray for his safety. “William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and my vehicles torched,” he said.
Videos shared online showed chaos inside the church, including a young girl fainting as congregants tried to help her. Women and children were among those affected, with many covering their mouths and noses as they struggled to breathe.
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