Kenyan ex-vice president Rigathi Gachagua alleges assassination attempt in church attack

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that an attempt was made on his life during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was dismissed as vice president in 2024 in an impeachment trial, alleged that a gang of rogue police officers attacked the church in Othaya in central Nyeri province using bullets and tear gas.

Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally, President William Ruto, of ordering the attack. Ruto made no comment, but Home Affairs Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

Police said an investigation had been launched and added that no injuries had been reported.

Reports to police indicated that a tear gas canister was thrown into St. Peters Anglican Church at 11 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT), disrupting the service.

Several vehicles were reportedly damaged on the church grounds, police added, seeking witnesses.

Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central region of Mount Kenya and now an outspoken critic of the president, said he was being taken to safety by his security team.

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

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

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

“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.” the Minister of the Interior said in a message on X.

“The police must act without fear or favor and take decisive action against the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, regardless of their status in society or political beliefs.”

Under the Kenyan constitution, Gachagua’s conviction by the Senate means he can no longer hold public office.

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

But the politician, popularly known as Riggy G, claims he will run in next year’s presidential elections while he is appealing and the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on his impeachment.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected jointly in 2022 – and the partnership helped Ruto win by building support in Mount Kenya, the heart of the Kikuyu people, the largest voting bloc in Kenya.