Kenya’s ex-deputy president alleges assassination attempt in church attack

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has claimed there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was fired as vice president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed in a BBC interview that rogue police officers “shot everyone and threw tear gas at the church” in Othaya, in the central Nyeri county.

He had previously accused his former ally, President William Ruto, of ordering the attack, but provided no evidence. Ruto did not comment but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

Police said an investigation had been opened, specifying that no injuries were reported.

Reports to police said a tear gas grenade was 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 grounds, police added, appealing for witnesses.

Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya region and now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team.

He posted photos of the incident on X and told the BBC’s Newsday program that “police officers armed with AK47s and tear gas descended on the church.”

Gachagua said that after he was brought to safety, the attackers set fire to his car and “ruthlessly” beat up those gathered outside the church.

The leader of the Citizens’ Democracy Party said he did not report the incident to the relevant authorities “because it was the police who attacked us. You cannot report the police to the police.”

Earlier, Gachagua held a news conference in which he rejected suggestions from pro-government bloggers that the attack was staged.

“Where do we get access to tear gas?…Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles?” he asked.

Murkomen said the police chief had promised him that the attackers would be brought to justice.

“Violence, wherever it is, and even less so in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” the Interior Minister said in a message on X.

“The police must act without fear or favor and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, without regard to their status in society or political affiliation.”

Under Kenya’s constitution, Gachagua’s conviction by the Senate means he can no longer hold public office.

He had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, five of which included inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office.

However, the politician, better known as Riggy G, maintains he will run in next year’s presidential elections because he is appealing and the Supreme Court has not ruled on his impeachment.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected on a joint list in 2022 – and the partnership helped Ruto win by rallying support in Mount Kenya, the heartland of the Kikuyu people who make up the largest voting bloc in Kenya.

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