Rigathi Gachagua alleges assassination attempt in church attack, points finger at Ruto
Kenya’s political tensions deepened on Sunday after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a church service in Nyeri County. The opposition figure, popularly known as Riggy G, alleged that rogue police officers stormed St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Othaya, firing bullets and releasing tear gas in what he described as a coordinated attack.
Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024 and barred from holding public office, accused his former ally President William Ruto of orchestrating the incident, though he offered no evidence to support the claim. “Armed police officers with AK-47s and tear gas descended on the church,” he told the BBC’s Newsday programme, adding that his car was set ablaze and worshippers outside were “mercilessly” beaten.
The politician, now leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, insisted the attack was genuine and dismissed suggestions from pro-government bloggers that it had been staged. “Where can we get access to tear gas?… Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles?” he asked at a press conference, underscoring his belief that state forces were involved.
Photos posted by Gachagua on X showed chaos in the church compound, with damaged vehicles and congregants fleeing the scene. Police confirmed that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside the church at around 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT), disrupting the service, but reported no injuries. They said investigations were underway and appealed for witnesses.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, stressing that attacks on places of worship could not be tolerated. “Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” he wrote on X. “The police must move without fear or favour and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act without regard to their status in society or political affiliation.”
Despite his impeachment, which followed convictions on charges including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office, Gachagua maintains he will contest the presidency in next year’s election. He argues that his appeal is still pending before the Supreme Court, leaving the final word on his eligibility unresolved.
Gachagua’s political journey has been marked by dramatic turns. Once a key ally of Ruto, he was instrumental in mobilizing Mount Kenya’s influential Kikuyu voting bloc during the 2022 election, helping secure Ruto’s victory. Now, as a fierce critic of the president, his allegations of an assassination attempt highlight the volatility of Kenya’s political landscape and raise fresh questions about security, accountability, and the rule of law.
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