Gachagua Alleges State-Backed Plot on His Life After Othaya Visit Turns Chaotic

Kenya, January 25 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that his life was under threat following violent disruptions as he was worshipping at ACK Witima Church in Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, in an incident that has intensified political tensions in the region.

In a statement posted on his Facebook Page after the standoff, Gachagua, who is also the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), said he was forced to abandon planned engagements after his convoy was immobilized and security conditions deteriorated rapidly.

“I thank God for His mercy and kindness, and I thank the people of Othaya who stood with me and assisted my private security to evacuate me to safety,” Gachagua said, confirming that he had safely reached his Wamunyoro home, in Mathira Constituency.

He urged thousands of his supporters who had gathered in Othaya town and Kiawara to leave the venues calmly, warning that the situation remained unpredictable.

“I appeal to my supporters to go home peacefully. Our vehicles have been disabled and the public address systems dismantled,” he said.

The former deputy president went on to make grave allegations, claiming that armed operatives, whom he described as a “killer squad” allegedly working with local police, had been deployed around the venues where he was expected to address residents.