NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16, 2026 — Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced that leaders allied to the United Opposition will on Monday meet Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to demand accountability over the January 25 tear-gas incident at a church in Nyeri County.
The former Deputy President said the delegation will seek updates on investigations into the disruption of a church service in Witima, Othaya, where police reportedly lobbed tear gas during a service he attended alongside other political leaders.
“Tomorrow all of us will go back to the Inspector General to ask him about those who attacked the Church of Christ. We will ask him why those who hurt women and children have not been arraigned in court,” Gachagua said.
The January incident caused chaos inside the sanctuary as congregants scrambled for safety amid smoke and confusion. Several vehicles, including some belonging to Gachagua’s team, were damaged during the fracas, with one reportedly set ablaze.
The disruption drew condemnation from sections of religious leaders and politicians across the political divide, who termed it a violation of the constitutional right to worship.
Clergy at both national and regional levels called for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the use of tear gas during what they described as a peaceful gathering.
Gachagua has alleged that the incident was politically instigated, claiming security operatives were complicit in the chaos. The government has not publicly confirmed the claims or provided details on any arrests linked to the incident.
Separately, Gachagua continued his grassroots engagements in Zimmerman and Roysambu, where he reiterated calls for what he described as “people-driven decision-making” and vowed that opposition forces would prevail in the 2027 General Election.
