In brief
In a shocking incident, Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president of Kenya, alleged that a group of rogue police officers attacked a church service in Nyeri, attempting to assassinate him. The former politician, who has been vocal against the current leadership of President William Ruto, stated that tear gas and gunfire were used during the assault. The police have initiated an investigation, but Gachagua's allegations add to the ongoing political tension in Kenya following his impeachment.
Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has alleged there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service.
Gachagua, who was sacked as deputy president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed a gang of rogue police officers had attacked the church in Othaya in the central county of Nyeri, using bullets and tear gas.
Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally President William Ruto of ordering the attack. Ruto has not commented but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.
The police said an investigation had been launched, adding that no injuries had been reported.
Reports to the police indicated that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT) disrupting the service.
Several vehicles were reportedly damaged within the church compound, the police added, appealing for witnesses.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya area and now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team.
He had posted photos of the incident on X and later held a news conference where he dismissed suggestions from pro-government bloggers that the attack had been stage-managed.
Murkomen said the police chief had promised him that the attackers would be brought to justice.
Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable, Murkomen stated.
According to Kenya's constitution, Gachagua's conviction by the senate means he cannot hold public office again, yet he maintains he will be on the presidential ballot next year as he is appealing and the Supreme Court has not ruled on his impeachment.
