Tension has gripped Othaya, Nyeri County, after police lobbed teargas during a church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The incident unfolded minutes ago at Witima ACK Church in Othaya Constituency while worshippers were in the middle of prayers.
Scenes from the church compound show billows of white smoke spreading across the area, sending congregants into panic.
Witnesses say police officers threw teargas canisters toward the church as the service continues, forcing people to seek safety amid confusion and distress.
Gachagua is present and has issued a statement, saying he is targeted.
“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK church, Othaya. We are marooned in church being attacked with live bullets and tear gas and torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua says.
The disruption marks yet another instance where the former Deputy President reports facing violence during public or church-related events.
In recent months, he has faced similar attacks in Gatundu South in Kiambu County, as well as in Kariobangi and Mwiki in Nairobi. He also encountered a similar incident in Lari, Kiambu County, among other locations.
By the time of reporting, police had not issued an official explanation for the teargassing of the church gathering.
