May 24, 2026
Gachagua Blasts ODPP Over Delayed Nyeri Church Incident Prosecutions

Gachagua Blasts ODPP Over Delayed Nyeri Church Incident Prosecutions

Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has advocated for the prompt prosecution of those involved in the January 25, 2026, attack on the ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

Speaking during a church service in Zimmerman, Roysambu, Nairobi, Gachagua claimed that the suspects, including police officers, are known but have not been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.

He urged that the identities be sent so that those responsible might be prosecuted, and that attacks on places of worship be faced with heavy legal implications.

“The investigation is over and we know all the officers who attacked us in ACK Witima. We also know the Member of Parliament involved, but we see there is reluctance to forward the file to the ODPP,” he noted.

“Until those people have been prosecuted, the church cannot forgive the government. Attacks on a church are a terrorist act ands those who attacked us are terrorists.”

Gachagua stated that the United Opposition will visit the office of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday to ask about the situation and seek justice.

“We were there two weeks ago and tomorrow at 10:00 am we will go back to ask him why those people have not been taken to court,” Gachagua stated.

During the Witima church attack, tear gas and live bullets were allegedly used, vehicles were wrecked, and members were injured.

According to the opposition, evidence points to plotting by a special police squad known as “Sierra”.

At least 15 people were accused of organizing and carrying out the Witima attack.

Major Nicholas Mwachovi

Cpl John Maina alias Birash

Cpl Vincent Maronga

Peter Matu

Owen Kagia

David Ochieng

Erick Obiero

Jeff Mutwiri

Jackson Kioko

Kefa Okwoyo

Crispin Walumbe Muthoni

Stephen Habire Chege

Peter Wainaina Kabuga

Ambrose Manyeki Njeri alias Magrass

Simon Mwangi Wangari alias Sanchez.

The incident occurred following a series of attacks reportedly orchestrated by the State to undermine the faction’s political involvement with residents.

The opposition also wrote a detailed letter to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto.

They highlighted 23 separate incidents in which Gachagua, his family, supporters and members of the public were allegedly attacked between November 2024 and January 2026.

ALSO READ:

The letter further details attacks in Limuru, Shamata, Nyeri, Meru, Naivasha, Mai Mahiu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Murang’a, Narok, Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties, some involving tear gas, live ammunition and alleged assaults by police officers or police-backed groups.

In the letter, the opposition expressed what they termed as grave concern over persistent and increasingly violent attacks against Gachagua.

They also noted that several of the incidents occurred in the presence of police officers and, in some cases, with alleged police facilitation.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned the disruption, assuring that swift police action will be undertaken to apprehend the suspects.

“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,” Murkomen noted.

Gachagua Blasts ODPP Over Delayed Nyeri Church Incident Prosecutions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *