Gachagua Alleges Attackers Arrived at Witima Church in Matatu Armed With AK-47 Rifles

Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday evening gave a detailed account of a violent incident at Witima ACK Church, Othaya, alleging that worshippers were targeted by a heavily armed group.

Speaking to the press, Gachagua claimed the attackers were about 15 rogue police officers under the command of two bodyguards linked to a Woman Representative. 

“Today in Witima, ACK Church, a gang of about 15 police officers, rogue officers under the command of two bodyguards, belonging to the guard of a Woman Rep,” he said.

He described a scene of chaos, noting that women and children were among those injured. Vehicles were damaged, including one of his own, a Toyota Land Cruiser registered KDK 002, which was torched. 

“They injured women and children and hurt many people. The police torched one of my vehicles… They deflated the tyres of everyone who was in church and caused untold damage to vehicles. They beat people outside the church mercilessly,” Gachagua said.

The former deputy president said the attackers arrived in a matatu and were heavily armed. 

“The attackers came in a matatu. They were armed with AK-47s. We have collected some 7.62-millimetre cartridges, which they brought to kill. They were aiming for our blood,” he added.

Eyewitnesses described panic inside the church as worshippers scrambled to safety, with some sustaining minor injuries while others were treated at nearby health facilities. 

The attack has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, who called it an assault on both public safety and freedom of worship.

Gachagua called for an impartial investigation into the attack, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those behind the violence. 

He warned that targeting places of worship for political or personal reasons threatens the country’s democratic principles.