By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, January 25, 2026 -Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured his supporters that he is safe after hours of confusion and fear sparked by violent scenes at a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County.
In a calm message shared on X on Sunday afternoon, Gachagua said he had safely reached his Wamunyoro home, thanking residents of Othaya for stepping in to help his private security team get him out of danger.
“I thank God for His mercy and kindness. I thank the people of Othaya for helping my security evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having arrived at my Wamunyoro residence,” he wrote.
His statement came shortly after dramatic claims by DCP deputy party leader Cleopas Malala, who alleged that Gachagua had been abducted following chaos at Witima ACK Church. Malala said armed individuals disrupted the service, assaulted worshippers and fired tear gas, creating panic as congregants fled the church.
“We were attacked inside church, beaten and teargassed. Our party leader was taken and we did not know where he had been taken,” Malala claimed, urging Kenyans to demand Gachagua’s immediate release.
Gachagua’s confirmation of his safety appeared to calm tensions, as supporters had reportedly gathered in Othaya town and Kiawara amid fears for his life. He urged them to disperse peacefully, saying his vehicles had been disabled and public address systems destroyed during the incident.
“I ask the thousands of my supporters waiting in Othaya town and Kiawara to go home peacefully,” he appealed.
The DCP leader alleged that armed groups, whom he claimed were backed by security agencies, remained in the area after what he described as an attempt on his life. He also expressed gratitude to leaders and ordinary Kenyans who spoke out against the violence.
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Earlier, Gachagua had posted a distressing message online, describing being trapped inside the church as live bullets and tear gas were fired, while vehicles outside were set ablaze.
“We are marooned in church, under attack with live bullets and tear gas. They have torched my vehicles. Pray for us to come out alive,” he wrote at the height of the chaos.
Videos circulating online showed worshippers, clergy and political leaders escaping through a narrow back route as armed men fired shots and hurled tear gas canisters towards the church compound. Several vehicles, including those linked to Gachagua, were destroyed, and some people were injured.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from opposition leaders, with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka describing the attack as unconstitutional and unlawful.
“A church is a sacred and protected space. Using force against unarmed citizens in such circumstances is indefensible,” Kalonzo said.
As calm slowly returned to Othaya, questions remained over who was responsible for the violence and why a church service turned into a scene of fear, destruction and near tragedy.
