Kenya’s Ex-Deputy President Alleges Assassination Attempt in Church Assault

Date: January 25, 2026 | Category: World Politics / African Affairs

Introduction

Political tensions in Kenya have escalated following a violent disruption at a Sunday church service in Nyeri County. Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President of Kenya, has alleged that a coordinated assassination attempt was made on his life during the incident. The event, which involved the use of tear gas and live ammunition inside a place of worship, marks a significant deterioration in the relationship between Gachagua and his former running mate, President William Ruto.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the incident, the political history between the two leaders, and the legal and constitutional implications of the ongoing conflict. We explore the facts, the allegations, and the broader context of Kenyan politics ahead of the next election cycle.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of the alleged assassination attempt, it is essential to examine the political trajectory of Rigathi Gachagua and his partnership with President William Ruto.

The Ruto-Gachagua Alliance

In the 2022 general elections, William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua ran on a joint ticket under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Ruto secured the presidency, and Gachagua became the Deputy President. Their victory was heavily reliant on mobilizing support in the Mount Kenya region, the political heartland of the Kikuyu people, Kenya’s largest voting bloc. Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the region, played a pivotal role in consolidating these votes.

The Impeachment of 2024

Despite their joint ticket, the partnership fractured significantly in 2024. The Kenyan Senate conducted an impeachment trial, finding Gachagua guilty on five out of eleven charges. These charges included inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. Consequently, he was removed from his position as Deputy President.

However, Gachagua maintains his innocence. He has appealed the impeachment to the Supreme Court. Under the Kenyan Constitution, a conviction by the Senate bars an individual from holding public office in the future. Yet, Gachagua has publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming election, banking on a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court.

The Incident: Church Assault in Othaya

The latest flashpoint occurred at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, during a Sunday service.

Details of the Attack

Reports indicate that at approximately 11:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT), unidentified individuals—allegedly police officers—threw tear gas canisters into the church. The disruption caused panic among the congregation. Gachagua, who was in attendance, stated that his security detail had to escort him to safety.

Police reports confirm that several vehicles in the church compound were damaged during the melee. Notably, law enforcement officials stated that no injuries were reported, a detail that has been scrutinized by commentators.

Gachagua’s Response

In the aftermath, Gachagua took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images of the chaos, showing scattered tear gas canisters and disrupted pews. He later held a press conference where he vehemently dismissed claims by pro-government bloggers that the incident was staged.

“Where are we able to get access to tear gas?… Where can we get access to AK-47 attack rifles?” Gachagua questioned, challenging the narrative that he had orchestrated the event to gain political sympathy. He explicitly accused President Ruto of ordering the attack, labeling it an attempt on his life.

Analysis

The alleged assault on the church in Othaya is more than a localized security incident; it represents a deepening political crisis in Kenya.

Security vs. Political Weaponization

The use of tear gas in a place of worship raises serious concerns about the conduct of security forces in Kenya. The Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, described the violence as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that police must move “without fear or favor.” This statement highlights a potential rift or tension within the government’s security apparatus. If the police are acting on political orders, it suggests a weaponization of state institutions against political opponents—a common concern in emerging democracies.

The Credibility of Assassination Claims

Gachagua’s claim of an assassination attempt is severe. However, without immediate physical evidence or casualties, such claims often become a “he said, she said” scenario. The police have launched an investigation, which will likely focus on identifying the perpetrators and the source of the tear gas. The credibility of the investigation will be tested by its transparency and independence from political influence.

Mount Kenya’s Political Calculus

Gachagua’s continued presence in Mount Kenya politics poses a direct threat to President Ruto’s re-election bid. If the Supreme Court rules in Gachagua’s favor, he could run as a formidable opposition candidate, potentially splitting the Kikuyu vote. The alleged church attack may be a desperate move to neutralize this threat or, conversely, a genuine security breach that highlights the volatility of the region.

Practical Advice

For observers, analysts, and citizens following this developing story, the following steps are recommended to stay informed and safe:

For Travelers and Expats

• Monitor Local News: Follow reputable Kenyan news outlets for updates on political rallies or protests in Nyeri and Nairobi.
• Avoid Political Gatherings: While freedom of assembly is a right, political rallies and high-profile church services can be flashpoints for violence.
• Stay Aware: Be conscious of security presence and avoid areas where police are deploying crowd control measures.

For Political Analysts and Journalists

• Verify Sources: When reporting on the allegations, distinguish between verified facts (e.g., police reports of tear gas) and unverified claims (e.g., direct orders from the President).
• Follow the Legal Process: The Supreme Court’s pending ruling on Gachagua’s impeachment is the legal fulcrum of this story. Monitor court filings and official judgments.
• Contextualize the Violence: Compare this incident with historical political violence in Kenya to understand the potential risks of escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Rigathi Gachagua?

Rigathi Gachagua is a Kenyan politician and businessman who served as the Deputy President of Kenya from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024. He is a prominent figure from the Mount Kenya region and a key ally-turned-critic of President William Ruto.

What happened at the church in Othaya?

During a Sunday service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, tear gas canisters were reportedly thrown into the building, causing disruption. Gachagua alleges that live ammunition was also used and that the attack was an assassination attempt orchestrated by the government.

Is Rigathi Gachagua still the Deputy President?

No. Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the Kenyan Senate in 2024 on charges including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. He was subsequently removed from office.

Can Gachagua run for President in the next election?

Currently, his eligibility is in question. The Senate conviction generally bars individuals from holding public office again. However, Gachagua has appealed the impeachment to the Supreme Court of Kenya. If the Supreme Court overturns the conviction, he may be eligible to run.

Has President Ruto responded to the allegations?

As of the latest reports, President Ruto has not publicly commented on Gachagua’s specific assassination allegations. However, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, part of Ruto’s cabinet, has condemned the violence and promised a police investigation.

Conclusion

The allegation of an assassination attempt on Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Othaya underscores the fragile state of Kenyan politics. What began as a unified ticket in 2022 has devolved into open hostility, with the church—traditionally a sanctuary—becoming a battleground for political supremacy.

While the police investigate the tear gas incident, the broader narrative revolves around the 2027 presidential election and the legal battle over Gachagua’s impeachment. As the Supreme Court weighs his future, the tension between the former allies suggests that Kenya’s political landscape will remain volatile in the coming months.