The allegations have plunged the Mt. Kenya region into a state of high tension, pitting the former second-in-command against his former allies in a battle that has moved from the floor of Parliament to the pews of the church.
The Altar Under Siege: What Happened in Othaya?
The drama unfolded at St. Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, during a Sunday morning service. As the former DP and his supporters gathered for worship, the sanctity of the sanctuary was shattered. According to eyewitness accounts, unidentified individuals—alleged to be a mix of undercover police and hired goons—lobbed tear gas canisters into the church.
The resulting chaos was catastrophic. Elderly congregants and children were caught in the crossfire of stinging fumes, scrambling for exits as the service came to a violent halt. Outside, the situation was equally grim. The former DP’s motorcade was pelted with stones and partially vandalized, with reports of a vehicle being set on fire. He was eventually evacuated through a wire fence by his security detail to reach safety.
The “New Twist”: Naming the Accused
In a defiant address from his residence shortly after the attack, the former DP broke his silence, moving beyond general accusations against “the State” to name two prominent local leaders as the architects of the violence:
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The Mathira Legislator: He directly accused the MP of coordinating with local police to facilitate the entry of goons into the church. He alleged that this politician—once a close protégé—was seen “celebrating” with security officers in the aftermath of the violence.
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The Murang’a County Leader: He further alleged that this high-ranking woman representative played a pivotal role in mobilizing the youth used in the attack. He claimed that security personnel attached to her have been consistently used to shadow and disrupt his political engagements across the country.
“This was not a random act of hooliganism,” the former DP stated. “It was a coordinated, state-sponsored assassination attempt. Only the government has access to tear gas and AK-47 rifles. These two politicians provided the logistics.”
The Counter-Accusations: “Stop the Drama”
The response from the accused has been swift and scathing. The Mathira MP dismissed the allegations as “fictional drama” intended to garner public sympathy. In a public rebuttal, he questioned why the former DP only seems to face “attacks” in churches, suggesting that the chaos might be stage-managed to maintain political relevance following his 2024 impeachment.
“If there is evidence, let him record a statement with the DCI instead of playing to the gallery,” the MP challenged. “I am ready to be investigated.”
Similarly, the Murang’a leader characterized the claims as “baseless and desperate,” urging the DCP leader to focus on building his new party rather than “dragging names through the mud.”
A Pattern of Violence: The Rise of DCP
The Nyeri incident is not an isolated event. Since launching his new party in May 2025, the former DP has reported a series of disruptions. From a chaotic party launch in Lavington to disruptions at funerals in Limuru and rallies in Sagana, a pattern of “political intolerance” has emerged.
He maintains that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is trailing him in unmarked vehicles, a claim that has sparked debate over the use of state resources to suppress the opposition. His allies have joined the fray, condemning the “sacrilege” of attacking a place of worship and calling for an independent probe.
The Police Response and National Outcry
Under intense pressure, the National Police Service (NPS) has launched an investigation. Inspector General Douglas Kanja directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to take over the case, acknowledging that the “desecration of a sanctuary” is unacceptable.
However, many remain skeptical. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and several human rights groups have demanded that the officers who were allegedly seen escorting the goons be identified and prosecuted.
The Political Stakes
The attack in Nyeri marks a point of no return. By naming these two specific politicians, the former DP is attempting to isolate “betrayers” within the Mt. Kenya region and consolidate his base by painting himself as a persecuted leader.
As the country inches closer to the next political cycle, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the volatility of Kenyan politics. Whether this was a genuine attempt on a leader’s life or a calculated piece of political theater, the image of tear gas in a church sanctuary remains a dark stain on the nation’s democratic fabric.