Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the violent incident that disrupted a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies were caught up in a teargas and shooting scare on Sunday.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident at Witima ACK Church, #Kalonzo described the events as a grave violation of the Constitution and the rule of law, faulting security agencies for what he termed as the unlawful use of force against unarmed civilians.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack at Witima ACK Church in #Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi #Gachagua and his team, together with unarmed leaders and civilians, are trapped inside a place of worship as live bullets and tear gas are deployed and vehicles torched outside,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader stressed that places of worship are sacred and protected spaces, warning that any form of violence within or around churches is both indefensible and unconstitutional.
“This is a grave and unacceptable violation of the Constitution. A church is a sacred and protected space. The use of force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is unlawful and indefensible,” he added.
Kalonzo directly held the Inspector General of Police and all responsible officers accountable for the safety of Gachagua, his team, and civilians who were inside the church at the time of the incident.
He further warned that political competition must never descend into violence, intimidation, or impunity.
“No political ambition or rivalry can ever justify terrorising citizens or attacking a place of worship,” Kalonzo stated, adding that Kenya must remain a constitutional democracy governed by law, not fear or violence.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate over political intolerance and the conduct of security agencies as 2027 general election nears.