Lawyer Wahome Thuku has suggested that the chaos witnessed at Witima Anglican Church in Nyeri, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and worshippers were tear-gassed, may have followed a deliberate and familiar political pattern rather than a spontaneous security failure.
Drawing from his experience spanning more than 20 years, he claimed that violence at public gatherings is sometimes engineered to achieve political objectives, with law enforcement drawn in at a critical moment.
According to Thuku, the alleged tactic begins with the mobilisation of groups to cause disorder outside a venue hosting a high-profile figure.
When officers arrive, they may appear in a mix of civilian and official gear, creating confusion among members of the public.
“The groups that start the chaos often disappear once police move in,” Thuku stated, adding that the ensuing crackdown leaves innocent attendees exposed to teargas, beatings, and in some cases live ammunition.
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He claimed that the aftermath is usually followed by press briefings that frame the incident as a clear-cut case of police brutality, while the original instigators vanish.
Gachagua has accused security agencies of using excessive force against worshippers, including women and children, during a church service. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged during the confrontation.
While security agencies have yet to provide a detailed account of what triggered the violence, Thuku’s comments introduce a different perspective, questioning whether the police were the sole actors responsible for the chaos.