Police give update on investigations into Gachagua church attack in Nyeri
The National Police Service (NPS) issued a public update on the progress of investigations into recent security incidents, including events reported at Witima Church in Nyeri last month and other public gatherings across the country.
In a statement released Sunday, the Service said investigations were initiated promptly upon receiving reports of alleged criminal activity and are being conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
According to the NPS, officers have recorded statements from relevant parties, reviewed available video footage, and analysed intelligence reports to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify any individuals responsible.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga noted that, as with all criminal investigations, the success and speed of the process depend significantly on formal reporting, detailed witness accounts, and cooperation from complainants and members of the public.
“While preliminary inquiries have been undertaken based on information in the public domain, comprehensive investigations require affected persons and witnesses to record official statements to enable evidence-based conclusions and possible prosecutions,” the statement said.
Police appealed to anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist investigating officers, emphasising that such cooperation is essential to ensure justice is not only pursued but demonstrably upheld.
During the event, several people were injured as police lobbed tear gas canisters into a church.
Reaffirming its commitment to impartiality and professionalism, the NPS stated that it serves all Kenyans without fear or favour and handles all security concerns — regardless of political, social, or religious context — with objectivity and in strict compliance with the Constitution.
Investigations remain active, with further updates expected as appropriate.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) condemned what it described as rising violence and intimidation in the country, including attacks on churches.
“We are deeply concerned over increased violation of human rights, including excessive use of force by security agencies, arbitrary arrests, harassment of citizens and the shrinking of civic and democratic space.”
The bishops described churches as sacred spaces that must be respected and called for thorough investigations into recent incidents, and action against those responsible and their financiers.
“We are particularly disturbed by incidents where peaceful gatherings, including places of worship, have been violated through violence and intimidation by hired goons in the presence of security officers,” they said in a statement dated Friday, February 13.
“Lobbing tear gas canisters at worshipers inside the Church is a gross violation of their constitutional right to worship provided under Article 32 of the Constitution of Kenya.”
The bishops said the use of force against unarmed citizens, including women, children and the elderly is unacceptable.
Their remarks come three weeks after an attack on former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders during a service at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident since.
The clergy urged respect for the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law and protection of the independence of institutions mandated to safeguard human rights. “Accountability must prevail without fear or favor,” they said.