Deputy President Kithure Kindiki firmly denied any involvement in the violent disruption at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where chaos erupted on January 25, 2026, impacting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other attendees.
Reports indicate that the incident involved assailants, police intervention, including the use of tear gas, and chaotic evacuations, with Gachagua and clergy members escaping through a fence.
In a direct response to Gachagua’s allegations, Kindiki addressed him via a post on X dated January 26, 2026, referring to him as “Wamitego.” Gachagua had accused Kindiki of orchestrating the attack, sharing an image of an officer he claimed was involved in the disruption.
Gachagua’s post on X charged Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with masterminding the chaos at Witima ACK Church, highlighting a photo of a man he alleged was Kindiki’s officer leading the attack. He stated, “Bwana saprano, I hear you are calling for investigations. This is your officer who led the attack in Witima ACK Church. You are part and parcel of the conspiracy.”
Gachagua characterized the tear-gassing, use of live ammunition, vehicle arson, and forced evacuations as a calculated plot linked to the state, aimed at him during a period of rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s claims, asserting, “The image you have circled is not of any officer or staff attached to me. I do not know who that is. Your desperation to link me to the criminal act involving you yesterday is noted, but this is not where you will find me.”
He further distanced himself from political violence, stating, “I condemn and will continue to condemn the regressive behavior of using violence in politics, whether by notam, haftam, wantam, or tutam people. I do not engage in violence in politics—I have been in this arena longer than you. Instead, I rely on logic, persuasion, and consensus. Please proceed with your activities, but do not invite me to a duel, as our methods differ significantly.”
He emphasized, “Once again, whoever orchestrated the violence must face consequences before they inflict further harm on our nation. That is all for now.”
Kindiki condemned assaults on places of worship as criminal acts that threaten democracy, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
“Violence, whether instigated by political adversaries, self-serving individuals seeking sympathy, or any party for any reason, constitutes a criminal act that undermines our democracy and violates the freedoms of assembly and worship enshrined in law,” he asserted.
