Kindiki Responds After Gachagua Linked His Staff to Sunday Othaya Church Attack

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has firmly dismissed allegations by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua linking his office to the violent disruption of a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, Kindiki rejected claims that one of his bodyguards or staff members was involved in the chaos that erupted at ACK Witima Church on Sunday, January 25, where Gachagua was attending a service alongside other opposition leaders.

The Deputy President said an image circulated online by Gachagua, allegedly showing an officer attached to his security detail, had been misrepresented. 

He insisted that the individual in question is not known to him and has never been part of his official security team or staff.

“Mr Gachagua, the image you have circled is not of any officer or staff attached to me. I don’t know who that is,” Kindiki said in a social media post responding directly to the claims.

Kindiki accused Gachagua and other opposition figures of attempting to politically weaponise the incident by linking him to criminal acts without evidence. 

He argued that the allegations were part of a broader strategy to damage his reputation through misinformation.

“I know you are desperate to associate me in whatever way with the criminal act involving you yesterday. Unfortunately for you, this is not where to find me,” he added.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary went on to strongly condemn political violence, saying he has consistently opposed the use of force as a means of advancing political interests. 

He stressed that his approach to politics is anchored on dialogue, persuasion, and consensus-building rather than intimidation or violence.

“I condemn and will continue to condemn the backward behaviour of using violence to transact politics, whether by notam, haftam, wantam or tutam people,” Kindiki stated, adding that he has been active in politics for many years without resorting to force.

He further warned that rising political tensions, if left unchecked, could push the country toward instability. 

Kindiki called for thorough investigations into the Othaya incident and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals who organise or finance violence, regardless of their political affiliation.

“Those who sponsor or organise violence must be identified and punished before further harm is caused to the country,” he said.

Kindiki’s response came hours after Gachagua publicly alleged that a staff member linked to the Office of the Deputy President was among those who attacked congregants and fired live bullets during the church service. 

In a brief social media post, Gachagua shared an image of an armed individual, claiming the incident could not have occurred without the involvement or knowledge of senior government officials.

The violence at ACK Witima Church disrupted a Sunday service attended by Gachagua and other opposition leaders, triggering panic among congregants. 

Witnesses reported that individuals believed to be police officers fired tear gas canisters into the church compound, forcing worshippers, including women and children, to flee for safety.

Outside the church, chaos escalated as suspected goons clashed with Gachagua’s supporters. One of his vehicles was set ablaze, while several others were vandalised and pelted with stones. 

Images and videos circulating online later showed extensive damage to vehicles in his motorcade.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups, and religious organisations, many of whom described the attack as a violation of the sanctity of places of worship.

Security agencies have since launched investigations into the incident, with senior government officials calling for calm as inquiries continue. 

The episode has also renewed debate about political intolerance and the safety of opposition leaders during public engagements.