Revrend Stephen Migwi was moments away from beginning the Sunday service at Witima Anglican Church in Othaya, where he is vicar incharge when the calm of worship was shattered.
The congregation had settled with children sitting beside their parents with hymn books open.
“Just before I stepped to the altar, we were informed that the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, had arrived to worship with us. We said it was okay. In the house of God, we welcome everyone,” Rev Migwi recalled.
Bishop Gerald Murithi addresses journalists at Witima ACK church in Othaya on January 26, 2026. He said that the church was shocked by the attack.
Photo credit: Gitonga Marete | Nation
Seconds later, police officers stormed the church compound.
He says live bullets were fired, and tear gas canisters landed near the sanctuary. Outside, vehicles were vandalised and set ablaze as terrified worshippers scattered, clutching children and scrambling for safety.
“We were left wondering what crime we had committed. This is a church. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Yet fear entered a place meant for prayer,” Rev Migwi said.
A Sunday service at Witima ACK Church in Othaya was abruptly disrupted when canisters of tear gas were deployed in the sanctuary during a visit by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: Pool
He said children choked on tear gas as some women fainted, and elderly worshippers froze in terror as gunshots rang out just beyond the church walls.
Rev Migwi said the congregation was particularly disturbed that the violence appeared to be targeted at preventing a leader from worshipping.
“We did not invite politics into the church,” he said. “Someone came to pray, and instead we were attacked. It left us questioning whether the Constitution still protects ordinary citizens.”
Ms Jedida Wangui, who was among the worshippers, said panic swept through the church.
“It was terrifying. Some children collapsed after inhaling tear gas. We could hear gunshots and did not know if we would survive. This has never happened here before,” she said.
Bishop Gerald Murithi, the head of the Anglican Church Mt Kenya West Diocese, described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the church’s history.
Residents scamper for safety after tear gas canisters were lobbed at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri County during a Sunday service that was attended by Rigathi Gachagua on January 25, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
Although he was not present during the attack, the bishop said he was deeply shaken when he received reports of what had unfolded. He visited the church the following day and later met Nyeri County Police Commander Kipchirchir Too.
“It is unimaginable that such violence could occur in a place of worship,” Bishop Murithi said. “Children, women and the elderly were traumatised. Clergy were intimidated. Goons vandalised property under the watch of armed police officers.”
Residents scamper for safety after tear gas canisters were lobbed at Witima ACK Church in Nyeri County during a Sunday service that was attended by Rigathi Gachagua (right) on January 25, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
He questioned who authorised the operation, saying a police vehicle carrying officers armed with AK-47 rifles was present during the chaos.
“We condemn this heinous and barbaric act. It reflects a disturbing misuse of the police service for selfish and political ends,” the bishop said.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) demanded an apology from the National Police Service for what it termed the desecration of a sacred space.
ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said the church should never become a battleground for political power struggles.
Nyeri County Police Commander Kipchirchir Too said investigations were underway and promised accountability.
“We are under strict instructions that this incident must be thoroughly investigated and the truth established. No one involved will be spared,” he said in a phone interview.
As shock and anger continue to ripple through Othaya, church leaders have warned that allowing violence to spill into places of worship risks tearing apart the country’s social fabric as the 2027 General Election approaches.
