Allegations of Assassination Attempt on Kenya's Rigathi Gachagua during Church Service

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:19:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims a violent attack during a church service was an assassination attempt linked to his political rival.

Rigathi Gachagua, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, has alleged that an assassination attempt was made against him during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County. He accused rogue police officers of launching the attack, which involved gunfire and tear gas. The former deputy president attributed the orchestrated attack to President William Ruto, although no evidence was provided. The police have initiated an investigation, confirming no injuries were reported. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence and emphasized that justice will be served for the attackers.

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has allegedly faced an assassination attempt during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was sacked as deputy president in 2024, claimed that a group of rogue police officers attacked the church in Othaya, using bullets and tear gas. He accused President William Ruto of orchestrating the attack but provided no evidence to support his claim. Ruto has not commented on the allegations.

The police announced an investigation into the incident, stating that no injuries had been reported. Murkomen expressed his disapproval of the violence, calling it unacceptable.

Details reveal that a tear-gas canister was thrown inside St. Peters Anglican Church around 11:00 AM local time, disrupting the service and causing damage to several vehicles in the church's compound. Gachagua, who is known for his wealth and influence in Mount Kenya, was promptly escorted to safety by his security team.

In a post on the social media platform X, Gachagua shared photos of the chaos that ensued during the church service and later dismissed claims that the attack was staged.

Interior Minister Murkomen assured the public that the police chief had promised justice regarding the incident, emphasizing that violence in places of worship cannot be tolerated.

Gachagua, who was once Ruto's ally and now a vocal critic, previously faced charges that led to his impeachment, yet he intends to run for office again next year as he appeals his case.