Kenya’s ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachagua alleges assassination attempt in church attack

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has alleged there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was sacked as deputy president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed a gang of rogue police officers had attacked the church in Othaya in the central county of Nyeri, using bullets and tear gas.

Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally President William Ruto of ordering the attack. Ruto has not commented but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

The police said an investigation had been launched, adding that no injuries had been reported.

Reports to the police indicated that a tear-gas canister had been thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT) disrupting the service.

Several vehicles were reportedly damaged within the church compound, the police added, appealing for witnesses.

Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya area and now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team.

He had posted photos of the incident on X and later held a news conference where he dismissed suggestions from pro-government bloggers that the attack had been stage-managed.

“Where can we get access to tear gas?… Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles?” the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader asked.

Murkomen said the police chief had promised him that the attackers would be brought to justice.

“Violence anywhere, and least of all in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” the interior minister said in a post on X.

“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.”

According to Kenya’s constitution, Gachagua’s conviction by the senate means he cannot hold public office again.

He had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of which he was found guilty of five, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office.

However the politician, popularly known as Riggy G, maintains he will be on the presidential ballot next year as he is appealing and the Supreme Court has not ruled on his impeachment.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected on a joint ticket in 2022 – and the partnership helped Ruto win by marshalling support in Mount Kenya, the heartland of the Kikuyu people who are the largest voting bloc in Kenya.