Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Sunday directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to launch urgent investigations into a teargas attack that disrupted a church service at St. Peters ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the incident occurred at about 11am while a church service was underway and attended by several political leaders, among them Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Police reports indicate that an unidentified individual threw a teargas canister into the church, forcing the congregation to flee and bringing the service to an abrupt halt. Several vehicles parked within the church compound were also reportedly damaged during the chaos that followed.
The Regional Police Commander for Central Region immediately instructed the Nyeri County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) to secure the scene and commence investigations. Upon being briefed on the incident, Kanja escalated the matter, directing the IAU to move in swiftly and probe the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“No injuries were reported,” the police said, adding that the incident was “totally unacceptable and has no place in this country.”
In a statement, the NPS strongly condemned the disruption, reiterating that it abhors violence in all its forms and warning that those responsible will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the law.
“Churches are sanctuaries and have nothing to do with political differences or violence of whatever form or shape,” the statement read.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could aid investigations to report to the nearest police station or contact law enforcement through toll-free numbers 999, 112, #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203), or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the security of all Kenyans and upholding the constitutional freedom of worship.
The statement was signed by police spokesperson Michael Muchiri.
Police lobbed teargas canisters at the scene disrupting services.
Gachagua said he was safe at his Wamunyoro residence and told his supporters to peacefully go home
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen strongly condemned the incident describing it as unacceptable and deeply troubling.
Murkomen said violence has no place in society, noting that the incident was particularly disturbing because it took place in a place of worship.
“I have noted with great concern the incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County. Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Murkomen said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki too condemned the incident.
“Violence, whether organized by political opponents, by self for sympathy, or by whoever for whatever purpose, is a criminal act that undermines our democracy and violates the freedom of assembly and of worship guaranteed by law.”
“An impartial, non-politicized investigation of the planners, executors and enablers of this aggression on a place of worship, followed by successful prosecution, is the only way to prevent this behaviour from replacing the democratic contest for leadership based on superior principles, ideas and programmes for taking Kenya forward,” he said.
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